All the latest insight and commentary from James Daley and the Fairer Finance team.

Blog

Buck stops with Government for latest RBS failures

27 August 2014

Buck stops with Government for latest RBS failures

James Daley

The latest fine for RBS relates entirely to poor practice while it was under the supervision of the Government's own agency.

Blog

Co-op Bank is not nearly out of the woods

22 August 2014

Co-op Bank is not nearly out of the woods

James Daley

The Co-op Bank's interim results may show a substantial drop in its losses, but a thorough read of its results leaves little for customers and investors to be optimistic about

Blog

Lobbying is a mucky but essential part of the financial services world

21 August 2014

Lobbying is a mucky but essential part of the financial services world

James Daley

An investigation by Money Marketing has revealed which organisations have had the most meetings with government and regulators over the past year. It shines the light on a murky part of financial services that is essential to creating a better deal for consumers.

Blog

Should the State tell you what to do with your money?

19 August 2014

Should the State tell you what to do with your money?

James Daley

A new report from the Centre for the Modern Family shows that many people are being forced to borrow from family and friends. Is it time the State played a bigger role in ensuring people are better prepared for life's financial challenges?

Blog

Pressure on the Co-op to play fair on bank charges

18 August 2014

Pressure on the Co-op to play fair on bank charges

James Daley

HSBC has become the latest bank to announce a reduction in its overdraft charges. The Co-op is now one of a handful of banks that will charge you more than 100 in a single month for using your unauthorised overdraft.

Blog

If this is the cost of simplicity it’s not worth paying

15 August 2014

If this is the cost of simplicity it’s not worth paying

James Daley

Barclays has become the first company to be accredited as offering a 'simple financial product'. But the terms and conditions of the product are anything but simple, and the price is not competitive.

Blog

Complaining just got easier

14 August 2014

Complaining just got easier

James Daley

A new service to help consumers resolve complaints could transform customer service levels in Britain

Blog

Toys out of the pram at Legal & General

13 August 2014

Toys out of the pram at Legal & General

James Daley

Legal & General's decision to quit the Association of British Insurers is selfish and likely to be a decision it will come to regret

Blog

The tricks of the travel money trade

12 August 2014

The tricks of the travel money trade

James Daley

The foreign currency market is littered with false claims and hidden charges. Trading Standards has shown little appetite for getting to grips with the problem, but one of the market's newer entrants is taking the job on itself.

Blog

The Great Train Robbery

11 August 2014

The Great Train Robbery

James Daley

Train companies are charging commuters extortionate interest rates to pay weekly or monthly. But the game may soon be up.