Consumers would benefit from a large number of alternatives to high street banks, it has been suggested. Personal finance expert Rumina Hassam of uSwitch.com said that a wide choice gives people the ability to “vote with their feet”, which encourages…

High street banks do not necessarily offer the best deals despite public perception. At least this is the suggestion of Michelle Slade of Moneyfacts.co.uk, who said that there is a general belief that “bigger is better” and that major institutions…

The new mortgage rates from one provider will have a limited impact, it has been posited. Nationwide recently announced that it plans to cut the rates on 44 products, including fixed and tracker rate mortgages. Commenting on the development, moneysupermarket.com…

A few niche creditors are guilty of “irresponsible lending” over the last ten years, one expert has claimed. Ian Boden-Smyth, spokesperson for financial standards network UK Insolvency Helpline, said some “adverse credit, high-risk” agencies have been able to pick and…

Proposals which will establish draft regulations for the Consumer Credit Directive could help protect people from bad practice on the part of creditors, one expert has suggested. Under the new plans, lenders must ensure individuals are fully aware of the…

Mortgage providers may be causing confusion for prospective homeowners by rapidly withdrawing new products from the market, one expert has suggested. Peter Cowell, broker at Click n go Mortgages, said the average shelf life of a mortgage offer is reducing…

If the banking system returns to its previous methods of operation the recession has taught Britain nothing, one expert has suggested. UK Financial Investments Limited (UKFI), which has been tasked with managing the government’s stakes in Royal Bank of Scotland…

British consumers are still being hit by hundreds of millions of pounds worth of credit card charges as the government’s plans to help people with their debts fail to have the desired impact. That is according to a new report…