FCA Consumer Duty Compliance: Is Your Dealership Really Prepared?
- staceywaller
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 6
The FCA’s Consumer Duty sets higher standards for car dealerships across the UK, placing greater responsibility on businesses to ensure customers receive fair treatment and good outcomes.
However, many independent and smaller franchised dealers are falling short of full compliance—often without even realising it. If your dealership is still relying on outdated processes or assuming you’re covered by lender paperwork, you could be at risk.
Understanding FCA Consumer Duty for Car Dealerships
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched the Consumer Duty to ensure dealerships put customers first at every stage of the sales process.
To comply, dealerships must actively demonstrate how they protect customers’ interests, rather than simply relying on SAF training, broker processes, or finance provider documents.
Common FCA Consumer Duty Compliance Gaps in Dealerships
Despite clear guidelines, implementation across the motor trade has been inconsistent. Here are the most common gaps we identify during compliance reviews:
❌ No documented Consumer Duty framework
📝 Paper-based systems lacking traceability and audit trails
📄 Outdated or missing policies and procedures
👥 Staff with little or no FCA compliance training
⚠️ Over-reliance on SAF training or lender/broker processes
These gaps can increase operational risks and damage your dealership’s reputation if left unaddressed.
Why SAF Training and Finance Paperwork Aren’t Enough
The Misconception About Automatic Compliance
Many dealerships believe that SAF-trained staff or completing lender-provided paperwork is enough to meet FCA requirements. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The FCA expects dealerships to proactively evidence compliance by demonstrating how they deliver positive customer outcomes.
What the FCA Expects Dealerships to Do
🔍 Monitor and review your entire sales process
📋 Maintain auditable policies, procedures, and controls
🧠 Provide ongoing staff training on Consumer Duty responsibilities
❤️ Identify and support vulnerable customers
Without clear, documented proof, your dealership could be non-compliant, even if you believe you’re doing the right thing.
The Risks of Non-Compliance with FCA Consumer Duty
Failing to comply with FCA requirements can lead to serious business consequences, including:
🔎 FCA investigations or enforcement action
💸 Fines and potential restrictions on trading
🔄 Loss of lender and finance partner relationships
❌ Reputational damage that’s difficult to recover from
Even well-intentioned dealerships are at risk if they cannot demonstrate full compliance.
How ComplianceTrak Helps Dealerships Stay Compliant
At ComplianceTrak, we help car dealerships simplify FCA compliance with our all-in-one compliance platform designed for the motor trade.
Our solutions include:
📲 Digitised customer journey tools – eliminate paper-based processes
🧠 Ongoing FCA compliance training – keeping staff up to date
📋 Customisable policies and procedures – tailored to your business
👥 Vulnerable customer identification and support tools
📊 Real-time audits and reporting – ensuring full traceability
With ComplianceTrak, compliance becomes simple, scalable, and fully auditable, giving you confidence when dealing with the FCA and finance partners.
Get Expert FCA Consumer Duty Support Today
If you’re unsure whether your dealership is fully compliant—or you’re still using outdated, paper-based processes—now is the time to act.
Contact ComplianceTrak today to book a free consultation or demo. We’ll help you:
✅ Identify compliance gaps
✅ Strengthen your policies and processes
✅ Protect your dealership from FCA risks
Start building a compliant, customer-focused, and future-ready dealership today.
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