FCA: Second charge mortgages – improving outcomes for consumers

This FCA review has found that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm. Although it found examples of good practice across the sector, the review raised a number of concerns, including: affordability assessments that appeared to overlook key living expenses; advice that steered customers towards debt consolidation when it was not clear if it was appropriate; inadequate record keeping, and unclear fees.