Can I Get Fast Cash Loans With Bad Credit?

In this blog post you will learn everything there is to know about obtaining a fast cash loan with bad credit. Before we delve into the fine print, let us take a look at the obvious questions first. Why Do I Need A Fast Cash Loan? Emergencies are beyond our control. We don’t know when […]

6 Steps To Achieving Financial Freedom

Stepping on the path to financial freedom is not as quick as in Google Maps, where you can plan your route and account for any traffic on the way. Unless you’re a lottery winner, you have to exert time, hard work and sacrifice to be financially independent. Perhaps that doesn’t sound fun, but even lottery […]

Bad Financial Habits Sending Aussies Broke

One-third of Aussies admit bad financial habits such as not knowing how to budget, using cash advances on credit cards, racking up late fees on credit facilities, and not paying attention to debt are the reasons for their personal debt situation. People who experience money problems and chronic debt often share similar behaviours and financial […]

Getting Your Finances Back On Track After The Festive Season

Have you overspent at Christmas? Don’t beat yourself up about it—it’s the holidays, after all. Here’s how to get your finances back on track after the festive season. The parties came and went. You spent too much on food, presents, or perhaps a holiday trip. Chances are, your bank balance is not looking good after […]

Private Health Insurance: What Is It & Do I Need It?

As premiums of private health insurance rise faster than wages or inflation, most Australians—young ones in particular—are discarding private health insurance, not considering it a top priority. In 2018, the number of young adults taking out health insurance dropped by nearly 7%. Should they reconsider? Is private health insurance worth the investment? What Is Private […]

5 Ways To Prevent Credit Card Fraud

As technology progresses, credit card fraud has become a real danger in an online-based society. Imagine one morning you wake up with charges you didn’t make on a maxed-out account. While there’s no guarantee you’ll never be a victim, here are five ways you can take to prevent credit card fraud and reduce your risk. […]

4 Financial Issues That Can Throw Your Budget Out Of Whack

Broken down car cartoon

Do you want the secret to staying out of debt? It’s all about budgeting. You need to make sure that you are constantly keeping control of your spending and that you have a check on how much money you have for various different purchases and bills. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done because there […]

Why It’s So Hard to Save on Low Income

Man with a rope tug a war with money a dollar sign

When you’re in your 20s, you will most likely be on a limited income. You may even be struggling on a minimum wage. That’s a problem because according to experts, you should be saving up to 20 percent of your income each month. This means experts recommend that a significant portion of your income is stored […]

How to Save on Moving Costs

couple with moving boxes on their heads unhappy

Moving can be a very stressful and difficult time.  is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do reduce your stress during a move and make sure that you have planned for the costs involved Finding a new home can be challenging, let alone having to think about packing, moving and unpacking. However, new research from […]

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