The future of the Lending Code
The Lending Code has been in place for over 30 years and has played an important role in setting good practice standards for firms. Many of the Rules and Guidance in the FCA’s Sourcebook CONC align with the provisions outlined in the Lending Code.
Following 10 years of FCA regulation, the introduction of the Consumer Duty and moves across the industry, regulators and government to avoid duplicating regulation, we believe now is a sensible point in time to review the Code and the role it plays in delivering good practice.
Throughout 2025, the FLA undertook a comprehensive Review of the Lending Code. This included consultation with FLA members, the FCA, consumer groups and other stakeholders.
Following this Review, the FLA Board has agreed the retirement of the Lending Code with effect from 31 December 2026. We do not believe this will lead to any dilution of consumer protection, due to the overlap with FCA regulation.
We will be developing a programme of work in close collaboration with members centred on developing a good practice framework, to support members with further embedding the Consumer Duty.
A full PDF is available if you want to print or save the Code. We have also included a Frequently Asked Questions for your reference.
Previous versions of the Code can be found on a separate page.
Reports of breaches of our Lending Code
If you believe that one of our members has not complied with an aspect of the Code, you can send us details via email code@fla.org.uk. We are interested to hear about this, as we actively monitor members’ compliance. Please note, however, that we will not be able to comment or advise on individual complaints or disputes. We will also not be able to reply to you or to advise you of the outcome of our consideration of any reported breaches.
Please check the list of Full FLA Members to make sure your lender is one of our members, and therefore required to comply with our Lending Code.
