Consumer Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0113) 283 2500About
Provided by Walker Morris LLP
We are market leaders in the field of consumer finance. We advise a range of credit and mortgage providers, brokers, debt collection agents and debt management firms on compliance issues, business re-structure and acquisitions and FCA investigations.
We also work with a number of trade associations including the Consumer Credit Trade Association and the Finance and Leasing Association and our work includes delivering training to members on topical compliance issues.
We’re proud of our knowledge and experience and regularly provide advice in relation to the FCA Perimeter, on unsecured and secured lending, fixed sum and running account credit, hire purchase and consumer hire arrangements. We also provide guidance on implementing the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the FCA rules governing mortgages, governing such issues as the form and content of agreements, advertising, APRs and early settlement. We‘re also often asked to draft regulated agreements and approve advertising copy for clients.
When it comes to advising on corporate acquisitions and reorganisations of financial services providers, we have the specialist expertise to manage the complex requirements necessary for a successful outcome. This includes detailed assessments of risk via exhaustive due diligence on debt books and compliance issues (for example, assessing the enforceability of credit and mortgage agreements) and assessing money laundering and data protection compliance standards.
Chambers Review
Walker Morris has a strong team in Leeds active on a wide range of mandates related to consumer finance, include mortgage lending, motor finance and work in the fintech space. Its areas of expertise include new product development, regulatory compliance and transactional support.
Work Highlights
- Walker Morris continued to advise Caterpillar Financial Services on general regulatory requirements including FCA regulated credit agreements.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Walker Morris do not advise in a vacuum but instead take a very commercial view."
"It's a good team that is on top of the issues."
"The team takes a practical and commercial approach to technical legal challenges."
"Walker Morris do not advise in a vacuum but instead take a very commercial view."
"It's a good team that is on top of the issues."
"The team takes a practical and commercial approach to technical legal challenges."
Notable Practitioners
Jeanette Burgess has significant experience providing advice to banks and other lenders on a range of issues including FCA compliance, data protection and fraud.
"Jeanette Burgess is very commercial and knows her stuff."
"Jeanette has brilliant knowledge in her field. She can wade through complexity and noise to give direct and clear advice."
"A clear, personable and incredibly effective lawyer."
Russell Kelsall is the head of consumer and motor finance at Walker Morris. He has notable strength in both contentious and non-contentious matters within the consumer finance space, with a particular focus on motor financing, consumer credit and mortgage matters.
"Russell is an expert in his field and gives pragmatic and commercial advice."
"Russell is very commercially-minded in his approach, with pragmatic advice and novel solutions to legal matters."