Are You Prepared for the 28th? Understanding the FCA CCR009 Return
Is your firm ready to submit its CCR009 Return?
For many consumer credit firms, regulatory reporting deadlines arrive faster than expected, and the CCR009 Return is one that should never be overlooked.
Submitting accurate regulatory data is a key part of demonstrating compliance with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expectations. Yet many firms remain unclear about whether the CCR009 applies to them, what information is required, and the risks of getting it wrong.
Here’s what you need to know, and how to make sure your business is prepared before the 28th.
What Is the CCR009 Return?
The CCR009 Return is a regulatory report submitted to the FCA through RegData. It captures information about a firm’s consumer credit activities and helps the regulator monitor risk, market trends, and potential consumer harm.
The data provided allows the FCA to assess whether firms are operating within their permissions and delivering fair outcomes for customers, a key focus under Consumer Duty.
Which Firms Must Submit a CCR009 Return?
A common misunderstanding is that the CCR009 applies to all consumer credit firms, including lenders. This is not the case.
The CCR009 Return applies specifically to firms holding one or more of the following permissions:
- Credit Broking
- Debt Adjusting
- Debt Counselling
- Providing Credit Information
Firms with lending-only permissions are not required to complete this return unless they also hold one of the permissions listed above.
Understanding whether your permissions trigger reporting obligations is essential to avoiding unnecessary submissions or regulatory breaches.
Why the FCA Uses CCR009 Data
The FCA relies on regulatory returns to move beyond policies and assess real-world outcomes.
CCR009 reporting helps the regulator:
- Monitor business models and activity levels
- Identify potential risks to consumers
- Detect firms operating outside permissions
- Target supervisory activity where harm may occur
Inaccurate reporting can raise red flags, even where no wrongdoing exists.
Common CCR009 Reporting Mistakes
Many issues arise not from intent, but from misunderstanding requirements. The most frequent challenges include:
Misunderstanding Reporting Categories
Firms sometimes assume all consumer credit activity must be reported. CCR009 only applies to specific permissions, and incorrect categorisation can lead to inaccurate submissions.
Using Estimates Instead of Verified Data
Figures should be supported by management information and internal records. Guesswork increases regulatory risk.
Misaligned Permissions and Activities
Reporting activity that does not match your FCA permissions may prompt supervisory questions.
Leaving Submissions Until the Deadline
Last-minute reporting increases the likelihood of errors and system issues within RegData.
Why CCR009 Matters More Under Consumer Duty
The FCA’s supervisory approach has shifted. Firms are no longer assessed solely on documented frameworks — regulators increasingly expect evidence of outcomes.
Accurate regulatory reporting demonstrates:
- Strong governance and oversight
- Reliable management information
- Understanding of regulated activities
- Effective compliance controls
Poor reporting, on the other hand, may suggest weaknesses in systems and oversight.
How to Prepare Before the Deadline
To reduce risk, firms should:
- Confirm which permissions they hold
- Validate reporting obligations early
- Review internal data sources and MI
- Ensure senior management oversight of submissions
- Allow sufficient time for review before submission
Treating regulatory returns as a compliance exercise rather than an administrative task can significantly reduce future scrutiny.
How We Can Help
At My Compliance Consultant, we support firms with practical, hands-on compliance guidance, including regulatory reporting reviews and submission support.
Whether you need reassurance before submitting your CCR009 Return or help strengthening your wider compliance framework, our team can help ensure your reporting is accurate, compliant, and aligned with FCA expectations.
Are you prepared for the 28th?
Get in touch with our team to ensure your submission is correct, compliant, and stress-free.
