There are several companies and organisations, which are able to assist with various financial problems and provide
detailed information on specific matters. Some of these organisations, their particular roles and contact details are
listed below:
Financial Services Authority
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) are the main regulator for the finance industry and are responsible for the
regulation of certain types of loan, such as mortgages. As not all loans are regulated, these would not be covered by
the FSA.
Financial Services Authority
25 The North Collonade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS
Tel: 020 7066 1000
www.fsa.gov.uk
Office of Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) are responsible for granting licences to any company wishing to trade in the
financial sector. They also keep a register of licensed companies and also those who have had action taken against
them. The OFT can provide information on various subjects, including credit, but do not give individual advice.
Office of Fair Trading
P.O. Box 366
Hayes
UB3 1XB
Tel: 0870 60 60 321
www.oft.gov.uk
Information Commissioners Office
The Information Commissioners office are responsible for ensuring that firms comply with the data protection act,
which protects an individuals personal details from being distributed inappropriately, or without the individuals
consent. The data protection act also allows an individual access to their own personal records which are held by an
organisation.
Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wimslow
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545740
www.ico.gov.uk
Financial Ombudsman Service
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) ensures that firms have an appropriate complaints handling procedure in place.
If an individual has a complaint against a company which has not been resolved satisfactorily by the company in
question, this can be taken to the FOS who will assist in the case.
Financial Ombudsman Service
South Quay Plaza
183 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SR
Tel: 020 7964 1000
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau can assist individuals in any number of matters including financial. This could range from
assisting with a complaint, to providing a debt counselling service. The CAB provide a free, local service. Please
consult your local telephone directory for the nearest centre.
Finance Industry Standards Association
The Finance Industry Standards Association (FISA) is a voluntary organisation of which lending and broking firms are
encouraged to be a member. Their aim is to provide a high professional standard within the finance industry, over and
above any legal requirements. They can also provide information and advice to individuals regarding financial
matters.
Finance Industry Standards Association (FISA)
8 Parrys Court
Northgate
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 7BN
Tel: 01529 305698
www.fisa.co.uk
Credit Reference Agencies
Credit Reference Agencies hold a large amount of information on individuals. This would include, electoral role
information, records of any finance agreements and credit scores carried out and any arrears, defaults, CCJ’s and
bankruptcies. Lenders are able to access this information when carrying out a credit score on an individual prior to
agreeing finance. The information held is also available to the individual. The main credit reference agencies are:
Callcredit Plc
Consumer Services Team
Callcredit PLC
PO Box 491
Leeds
LS3 1WZ
Tel: 0870 060 1414
www.callcredit.plc.uk
Equifax Plc
Credit File Centre
PO Box 1140
Bradford
W YorkshireBD1 5US
www.myequifax.co.uk
Experian Ltd
Consumer Help Services
Experian
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF
Tel: 0870 241 6212
www.experian.co.uk
