CSA confirms programme for 2018 UKCCC with key focus on technology

The Credit Services Association (CSA), the voice of the UK debt collection and debt purchase sectors, has confirmed the full programme for this year’s UK Credit and Collections Conference (UKCCC), including a keynote address by Romana Pearson, Head of Consumer Credit at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The conference is divided into morning and afternoon plenary sessions, including a panel debate on the pros and cons of Fintech, and a discussion on how to resolve the issue of mounting consumer debt. Between the plenaries, delegates will have a choice of five breakout streams, including two streams devoted to technology and innovation, as well as Compliance & HR and International Relations. Although 25 May has passed, and GDPR is now in force, as an industry, there is still a lot of work to do. Delegates will also have the chance to attend a number of dedicated GDPR workshops delivered by Toni Vitale of Winckworth Sherwood, focusing on the regulator’s current and future priorities, fines, and some of the challenges with compliance, all to help reassure businesses that they are still on the right track.

Within the technology and innovation streams specifically, experts will discuss such issues as Payment Initiation Services (PIS), the role of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, and how Open Banking applies to businesses large and small. The much-heralded Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) will be a particular focus within the Compliance stream, whereas the International Relations stream will explore the practical impact of Brexit on collections and provide an update on the new FENCA Code of Conduct.

The GDPR stream will be split into three workshops: the first looking at the current and future priorities of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO); the second exploring the challenges of regulation compliance; and the third outlining future Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

As well as the conference programme, this year’s event will play host to the 2018 Credit and Collections Technology Awards to recognise excellence and innovation in the UK credit and collections industry. It also reflects the Association’s growing recognition of technology as being vital to the future success of businesses in the sector. Entries for the awards are now open.

The CSA’s 2018 UKCCC will take place on Thursday 13 September at the newly-refurbished four-star Crowne Plaza in Stratford Upon Avon. Prices have been held from 2017, with various ticket options available, full details can be found at www.ukccc.csa-uk.com. Contact CSA’s Head of Sales, Mark Buckley, for further details on 0191 217 3073 or email sales@csa-uk.com.