Hi Andy,
I'm not sure it's easy to get a CCL. Certainly any substantial financial problems or previous financial irregularities (on a personal or corporate level) would prevent an applicant from getting a licence. Same for criminal issues. CCL holders going into bankruptcy will lose their licence though an IVA may well be OK.
For companies all individuals with any degree of control will be investigated.
The OFT investigation of applications is not quick; at the moment it will take 3 months from application to getting a licence even if the application does not raise any questions.
This regime stops people for whom their previous behaviour suggests risk from getting a CCL. In terms of future behaviour CCL holders are subject to inspections and visits without notification.
Most good debt management companies would welcome further regulation to protect the reputation of the industry as a whole.
Andrew Graveson
Independent Mortgage Broker & Bright Oak Debt Management
andrew@brightoak.co.uk
www.brightoak.co.uk