All firms were expected to have implemented TCF in a substantial part of their business by the end of March 2007. After this date the FSA set two further key deadlines: from March 2008 firms need to be able to evidence that they have systems in place to test whether customers are being treated fairly and by December 2008 they must be able to show that they are consistently treating customers fairly.

The FSA is keen to help firms meet the December 2008 deadline - and to help firms who may not have succeeded in meeting the March deadline. As well as carrying out face-to-face and telephone min-assessments with small firms and providing individual feedback following ARROW assessments, it is also offering workshops and additional guides and case studies on its website by way of general support.

However, it has already taken enforcement action against some firms where there has been actual or potential detriment to customers as a result their practices. The FSA has said that it will continue to take such action where necessary – in particular where a firm fails to change its practices following warnings.

Follow the links to find out more.

  TCF deadlines

Latest TCF deadlines March 2008 and December 2008, what the FSA expects and support for small firms

  TCF monitoring and feedback

FSA monitoring of TCF progress including feedback, rewards and enforcement action

  Preparing for a TCF assessment

Tips for small firms on how to prepare for a face-to-face or telephone assessment of TCF progress

  TCF indicators

FSA ‘at a glance’ chart showing key drivers and indicators of TCF implementation

  Focus on Fines

Overview of TCF failings that have resulted in enforcement action within the mortgage industry