Changes in the economic cycle have an effect on consumer debt and investment. Loan sharks charging excessive levels of interest, misleading credit advertising and poor documentation are all matters of concern to reputable members of the credit industry.

Trading Standards Officers check that credit traders have the necessary licence from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Evidence from officers that a trader is abusing controls on credit business may lead the OFT to withdraw the licence - a very powerful regulatory sanction.