We have responded in favour of these proposals, however we have gone further by asking whether FIN073 is required at all, highlighting duplicate information. We will also be asking for the reporting completion timescales to be aligned with existing RMAR returns( i. e. amend from 20 working days to 30 working days). Our Compliance Helpdesk team, who support firms, and hear their frustrations with this return, drafted our response. Again, we hope to bring you good news, when the Regulator confirms in due course.
CCR009 Relevant ancillary credit firms
Now for the bad news. We have written to you on a number of occasions in recent months to highlight a new RegData return specifically for firms with credit broking and / or debt counselling permissions. Your first reaction might be, that’ s not me, but the reality is that many of our firms do have one or other of these permissions as they are ancillary to the main activity of the business. For example, a firm that brokers general insurance is likely to have the credit broking permission where customers end up paying for their insurance through a credit agreement.
This new return will be an annual return based on calendar year reporting. The release of the first return was delayed by the FCA but eventually went live on 2nd March 2026. Firms have 40 working days to complete( deadline 28th April 2026).
Unfortunately, the return is not easy to complete. This is for two main reasons, the first being that it uses‘ branching logic’ meaning firms will only answer questions relevant to their activities and based on their previous responses. The second reason is that the Consumer Credit is a complex permissions regime and full of regulatory jargon, which can make the return difficult to follow.
The main focus areas of the return include:
• Permissions
• Business model
• Marketing
In time, the intention is for CCR009 to replace the existing CCR002 return. In the meantime, any firm that submits CCR009 does not need to provide similar information on CCR002, albeit the return still requires completion.
We have three key messages in respect of completion of this return:
• Do not leave it until the last minute – the return is complicated.
• Do not get frustrated and look to remove your consumer credit permissions without speaking to us first for guidance.
• Get in touch with the Helpdesk if you are struggling, we have guidance and support available.
Looking forward
The FCA has indicated there will be further positive reform in respect of regulatory reporting for firms, as they look to simplify and streamline regulatory reporting where possible, ensuring that information is not requested where this information can already be gleaned from the information already submitted or held by the Regulator.
Wherever possible we will lobby for a future reporting framework which reduces the reporting burden for financial advice firms and aligns with the FCAs own data strategy which states that its aim is to‘ gets the data it needs to fulfil its mission, at the lowest possible cost to industry.’
If you have any queries with your regulatory reporting, please get in touch with the Compliance Helpdesk on 01484 43 91 20.
• Revenue
• Staff
April 2026 | 13