New standards for IVA providers come into force
29/01/2008
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Borrowers who can no longer afford to repay what they owe now have the protection of agreed industry standards for advertising, advice, information and documentation, as well as higher levels of transparency. Borrowers can be assured that IVA providers adhering to the standards will operate openly and fairly to help people take the right path back into solvency.
The standards were agreed at a meeting today between IVA providers and the credit industry, led by the British Bankers’ Association and facilitated by the Insolvency Service, to establish a streamlined process for consumers seeking IVAs.
BBA Chief Executive Angela Knight said:
“People in debt and their creditors need to know that when an IVA is proposed it is the most appropriate solution. The BBA, the Insolvency Service and the participating IVA providers are united in support for this agreement, which should provide customers with the reassurances they need in order to make the right choice for their financial futures.”
The agreement sets out the standards that will apply to creditors and IVA providers in most IVA cases. It was agreed by representatives from the creditor, insolvency, advice and consumer sectors, under the chairmanship of the Insolvency Service. Further work is underway to provide accessibility to better market information on IVAs via the worldwide web.
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Notes to Editors:
The standing committee convened by the BBA and chaired by the Insolvency Service brought together representatives from the creditor, insolvency, advice and consumer sectors.
The group was formed following a series of cross-industry forums and working groups established by the Insolvency Service and the BBA to look more closely at the processes and practices surrounding the use of IVAs for consumers.
The new standards are on the Insolvency Service website (see link below).
Related Links
The new standards (External Link)
