Information about Competent Authorities and Intermediaries

What is a Competent Authority

Competent Authorities are bodies who have been designated by the Secretary of State to approve Intermediaries. Skilled debt advisers can apply to one of the Competent Authorities to be an approved Intermediary. A Competent Authority has the power to approve or decline the applicant and to continue to assess their suitability as Intermediaries. The IMA was designated as a Competent Authority in April 2009 and we currently have over 200 Approved Intermediaries.

For a list of all currently designated Competent Authorities and their contact details see the Insolvency website

http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/bankruptcy/DRO/auth.htm

Intermediaries

There are statutory conditions attached to becoming an intermediary, for example Intermediaries will need to be:

Not subject to a bankruptcy or a Bankruptcy Restriction Order
Able to prove their identity
Covered by an OFT Consumer Credit Licence (or exempt) and by suitable indemnity insurance
Suitably trained and experienced

Urgent Enquiries

If you have an urgent enquiry please email me katherine.hougham@i-m-a.org.uk.