Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices
Federal Court Imposes $7 Million Fine for Credit Law Violations
0
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws.
Each company received a $3 million penalty, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, were fined $500,000 each.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) initiated legal action against these entities, highlighting that their lending practices generated over $91 million in fees and charges, adversely affecting numerous consumers. Despite seeking legal advice from a reputable law firm, the court determined that the companies' operations breached established credit regulations.
Justice Ian Jackman noted the severity of the violations and the substantial harm caused to consumers. He emphasised that the penalties aim to deter similar misconduct in the future. This case underscores the importance of compliance with credit laws and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
For consumers, this ruling serves as a reminder to exercise caution when engaging with payday lenders. It's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the terms and conditions of any loan agreement. Utilising resources like ASIC's MoneySmart website can provide valuable guidance on making informed financial decisions.
In light of this development, individuals seeking personal loans should consider reputable lenders who adhere to Australian credit laws. Exploring options with transparent terms and competitive rates can help avoid the pitfalls associated with predatory lending practices.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
The Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. Each company received a $3 million penalty, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, were fined $500,000 each. - read more
OnDeck, a prominent non-bank lender, has announced an increase in the maximum loan amount for its Lightning Loan product, raising the cap from $175,000 to $200,000. This enhancement is designed to meet the growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking swift access to capital. - read more
CFMOTO has officially introduced its flagship adventure motorcycle, the 1000MT-X, to the Australian market. Priced at $18,990 ride away, this model aims to deliver high performance and value to adventure enthusiasts. - read more
Harley-Davidson Australia has unveiled the 'Harley Legend' finance program, a first-of-its-kind offering in the Australian motorcycle industry. This program introduces a Guaranteed Future Minimum Value (GFMV) for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, providing riders with flexible financing options. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant deficiencies in lenders' oversight of intermediaries such as brokers and dealerships. This examination revealed concerning practices, including inconsistent loan establishment fees and inadequate monitoring of sales tactics. - read more
