CML: FCA is asking "far too much" from lenders

The CML's director general Paul Smee says that the FCA's mortgage market study has recently resulted in significant levels of data being requested from lenders.

Related topics:  Mortgages
Rozi Jones
10th March 2017
Paul Smee CML

In his keynote address at the CML Scotland annual lunch today, he said that regulators need a detailed understanding of the mortgage market "but should avoid micro-managing it".

Smee explained: “I appreciate why the FCA feel the need to look at how distribution is working and would rather they did it now when things look benign than in five years when they had concluded that things were going wrong.

"Lenders always knew there would be an onerous request for data, but even we are surprised at how much is being sought. In our view, the FCA is asking for far too much information from lenders, far too quickly.

"I hope they may reflect and refine this to a slightly more proportionate approach. I also hope that they do not get all granular with their report. Micro-management of markets even in the name of competition doesn’t usually work. Let’s stick to big themes and where there is palpable detriment.”

Smee also said that the exit from the European Union may affect the industry, but the impact on the housing market may be modest.

He continued: “It is not easy to identify specific impacts on the mortgage market. It is a domestic market. There are not particular activities which will become impossible should we leave the single market. We will be asked whether our propensity to lend to EU nationals is affected by Brexit. I am confident in saying that lenders will treat their customers fairly and will avoid unnecessary dislocation to business.”

He also discussed the CML's merger with other trade bodies in mid-2017, stressing that the mortgage industry will "remain strongly represented throughout the UK".

Smee concluded: “The quality of mortgage representation, data, and voice will not be compromised by the change, and the new product council will offer the same sort of home for all types of mortgage lender which CML does today.”

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