The Central Bank of Ireland has a number of statutory codes of conduct. These codes of conduct are set out below:
Consumer Protection Code
The Consumer Protection Code 2006 (the Code) was introduced in August 2006 and it came fully into effect on 1 July 2007. The Code set out the requirements that regulated firms must comply with when dealing with consumers in order to ensure a similar level of protection for consumers, regardless of the type of financial services provider.
In May 2008, we produced an Addendum to the Consumer Protection Code in respect of the activities of retail credit firms and home reversion firms, to meet our new regulatory responsibilities in respect of these firms as set out in the Markets in Financial Instruments & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2007.
The Consumer Protection Code 2006 has now been revised and the Consumer Protection Code 2012 came into effect on 1 January 2012.
Relevant Consumer Protection Code documents
All documents relevant to the Consumer Protection Code and its implementation are set out below:
Consumer Protection Code 2012
Consumer Protection Code 2006
Consumer Protection Code for Licenced Moneylenders
As licenced moneylenders are not subject to the Consumer Protection Code, the Central Bank of Ireland has a code specifically for licenced moneylenders.
Download Consumer Protection Code for Licenced Moneylenders
Mortgage Arrears - A Guide to Dealing with your Lender
Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears
In February 2009, a Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears was introduced for all mortgage lenders. This Code was effective from 27 February 2009 to 16 February 2010. On 17 February 2010, an amended Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears was introduced for all mortgage lenders. This Code was effective from 17 February 2010 to 31 December 2010. On 1 January 2011, a revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears came into effect.
All documents relevant to the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and its implementation are set out below.
The following provisions of the 2006 Consumer Protection Code (2006 Code) were dis-applied for mortgage lenders when dealing with mortgage arrears and pre-arrears cases under the CCMA:
Chapter 2: Provision 46,47 and 48 (Complaints handling)
Chapter 4: Provisions 4 and 11.
On 1 January 2012, the Consumer Protection Code 2012 (2012 Code) became effective, replacing the 2006 Code. With effect from that date, the following provisions of the 2012 Code have been dis-applied for mortgage lenders dealing with borrowers in arrears or pre-arrears under the CCMA:
Chapter 6 (Post-sale information requirements): Provisions 6.8 and 6.9
Chapter 8 (Arrears handling): All provisions
Chapter 10 (Errors and complaints resolution): Provisions 10.7-10.12
Standard Financial Statement
The purpose of the SFS is to gather relevant financial information from a borrower in arrears or pre-arrears. The SFS is essential to the effectiveness of the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process and the new standard format will ensure that assessments of borrowers’ cases will be based on a common analysis of their financial circumstances.
Guide to Completing a Standard Financial Statement
Standard Financial Statement
Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises
In February 2009, a code of conduct for all business lending by regulated entities, excluding credit unions, was introduced.
This has now been revised and the Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises 2012 came into effect on 1 January 2012.
Code of Conduct on the Switching of Current Accounts with Credit Institutions
On 1 October 2010 a Code of Conduct on the Switching of Current Accounts with Credit Institutions was introduced and came into effect on that date.
Download the Code of Conduct on the Switching of Current Accounts with Credit Institutions
Other Documents:
Documents which other firms, not subject to the Consumer Protection Code, must have regard to in relation to consumer protection issues are listed below:
MiFID – Feedback on Discussions of Conduct of Business Industry Working Group