All the latest insight and commentary from James Daley and the Fairer Finance team.
Blog
2 April 2014
Complaints statistics are no use for consumers
The Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Conduct Authority both publish complaints data. But good luck making any sense of it.
Blog
1 April 2014
Being happy with your bank doesn’t mean you trust them
Fairer Finance's trust scores differ considerably from our happiness scores. So how can a customer be happy but not trust their bank?
Blog
31 March 2014
Back a smaller company and force the old guard to work harder
A number of lesser known names can be found at the top of Fairer Finance's tables. Next time you switch, why not put your faith in a smaller brand, to help them provide a real challenge to big banks and insurers
Blog
28 March 2014
Be fair or be fined - the rules of a new era of financial regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been hyperactive since its launch last year. But the narrative for companies is clear - if you've got any skeletons left in your closet, sort them out now or have them sorted out for you.
Blog
27 March 2014
Santander says it’s simple, personal and fair. Hands up if you agree
Santander's new ads declare that they are "Simple. Personal. Fair". Customers will be the judge of that, not the bank's advertising agency.
Blog
26 March 2014
Same old Santander: a decade of bad headlines
It's almost 10 years since Santander bought Abbey. This week, it is reported to be on the verge of receiving a 12.5m fine for giving poor investment advice. The latest in a string of bad news stories for the Spanish bank.
Blog
24 March 2014
Co-op’s chance to turn the corner
The Co-op Bank has not been the poster child for mutuality that it could and should have been. But it still has a chance to emerge from the recent mess with its reputation intact.
Blog
21 March 2014
OFT inquiry into credit cards has only dealt with half the problem
The OFT has fined 17 banks and building societies for not giving customers all the key information after they applied for credit cards. But finding key info before you apply is even harder
Blog
20 March 2014
People can be trusted to manage their own pensions, but there will be horror stories
Letting people make their own financial choices in retirement is the right thing to do. But there will undoubtedly be those who make the wrong decision
Blog
19 March 2014
Free financial advice for all - Osborne’s surprise announcement could be transformational
This year's Budget has the power to improve the financial fortunes not just of pensioners, but everyone.