Self-funded growth
Our growth strategy is unique in the debt management sector.
Traditionally, debt businesses effectively put themselves in debt by borrowing to fund their portfolio acquisition. Markets are cautious about this approach given that the cost of borrowing is rising.
That’s why we have adopted a radically different approach to renewal funding: self-funded growth through our Off-Balance Sheet Securitisation programme.
What do we mean by Off-Balance Sheet Securitisation?
Briefly, we take non-performing loans (NPL) and turn them into performing loans. We then sell them on, retaining the servicing activity in return for fees, generating the funds we need to invest in the next portfolio of NPL debt or to reduce our own borrowings.
This unique approach accelerates value and cashflows earlier in the lifecycle of the accounts, monetising our work in transforming lifeless accounts into performing, investment-graded assets.
Find out more about our trading performance
Consumer collections excellence
This is our core competence. Continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of our collections activities is at the heart of our business and we are tireless in driving it for the mutual benefit of our customers’ experience and our performance.
As a result, our business results have proven to be resilient to macro-economic conditions.
Customer focus
We are an ethical business that treats customers with respect and dignity.
We’ve got an amazing team, delivering superb customer service over the phone at our Customer Engagement Centres (CEC) and through our market-leading digital experiences.
We listen compassionately to people in debt to understand their stories. We give extra support to customers in vulnerable situations. And we’re acutely aware that we don’t want to make life even more difficult for our financially strapped customers, so we offer affordable payment plans that reflect their individual circumstances.
Regional differences
Our business model is slightly different in the DACH and Nordic regions, respecting local views of debt and the responsibility for it.
Unparalleled data resources
We are experts in the art of nudging reluctant, anxious, and embarrassed customers to get in touch and set up an affordable payment plan. And because we have a vast data bank, we understand how they think, what motivates them, and how to dampen their fears and win their trust. For example, we have, or have had, a relationship with one in five of the UK adult population.
As market-leaders, many of our customers have multiple accounts with us, sometimes current, sometimes historic. This gives us a wealth of information about the customer’s geography, spending habits, and financial health. We use this data to help transform non-performing debt into reliable revenue streams whilst also helping policymakers better understand factors affecting society.
