Why No Fuss Payday Loans Are Rising In Popularity

keyboard online application payday loan

The “payday loan” is almost certainly something you’ve heard others talk about before. Whether they’re warning you away or letting you in on how one of these quick loans has saved their bacon more than a handful of times, one thing is clear, payday loans are on the rise. In this piece, we’re going to […]

The Best Quick And Easy Loans Online

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The internet has made borrowing easier and more accessible than ever before. But the range of options on offer does make research and comparison increasingly important for anyone looking to land the best loan deals. In this article we’re going to be looking at the best ways to find quick and easy loans online. Follow […]

Here’s Why You Should Be Budgeting

piled coins accounting budget - payday loans

A lot of people often ask, why bother budgeting? There are plenty of reasons! Budget setting can be a very powerful tool in saving money and achieving financial independence. This blog post will outline some of the most effective ways to budget, in order to reach your monetary goals. We will get into the nitty […]

Common Requirements for Fast Cash Loans

Business people hand working with document chart for Mortgage loans concept

With more Australians than ever currently in debt, chances are that there have been a few times in your life when you just wish you could get your paycheck early. Maybe you need to make an important purchase. Perhaps you’ve been faced with unexpected medical challenges, are currently unable to work, or just need a little help […]

Start An Online Business Today!

online business laptop home office

Are you tired of working the same old 9 to 5? Want to be your own boss? Go digital! Get online and start your business today! Money doesn’t define happiness, especially when it comes to career. A lot of the time, job satisfaction is far more important than payday. Ask yourself: are you happy in […]

Places to Put On Your Travel Bucket List for 2018!

planning travels on world map

Now that we are firmly into the new year, where are you planning on going to escape? Everyone needs a holiday, and if you are like a large percentage of Australians, you like to travel overseas. Whatever it is you enjoy—relaxing, adventure, hot or cold climates—there is something on this list for everyone. Save up […]

How to Make Your Pay Day Loan Work for You

payback

Sometimes pay day doesn’t quite match up to when cash is needed. Enter pay day loans. Here’s how you can use them responsibly to work for you. Pay day loans have been a lifesaver for many Australians since the economic crash of 2008. In March over 7000 Australians went bankrupt, and many in the nation […]

NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat