15 Inexpensive Things To Do With Friends

friends having a picnic with their dog

We obviously stress the importance of being financially savvy, enough so to achieve your objectives, but you still have to have fun right? A same day loan isn’t meant for a night out clubbing with your friends, but hopefully you have put away a little nest egg which you can dip into from time to […]

Why Fast Easy Loans Are Increasing in Popularity

accountant banking approving loan

There are a whole heap of situations in modern society where a fast easy loan can save the day. In this article we’re going to explain why quick and short-term loans (often named “payday” loans” have become so popular in recent years. Unsure whether or not a fast loan is the right option for your […]

When Budgeting Less Is More

spilled coins from piggy bank

Money management is an art form, one that, some say, can only be learned through self-discipline. While that is true, we are still going to offer our two cents on clever and unique ways to budget. Once you have the knowledge at your disposal, you can then apply some self-discipline. Are you putting those spare […]

Can I Get Fast Cash Loans With Bad Credit?

mechanic attending to flat tire of car - fast cash loans

In this blog post you will learn everything there is to know about obtaining a fast cash loan with bad credit. Before we delve into the fineprint, let us take a look at the obvious questions first. Continue reading to find out more. Why Do I Need A Fast Cash Loan? Emergencies are beyond our […]

Australia’s Best Money Management Apps

man holding phone with applications - same day loans

How do you manage your money? Do you manage your money at all? From writing down your expenses to setting up Excel spreadsheets, there are countless ways to stay on top of savings and spendings. But, we are in the digital age now. Everything is at our fingertips. More and more Australians are using money […]

Here’s Why You Should Be Budgeting

piled coins accounting budget - payday loans

A lot of people often ask, why bother budgeting? There are plenty of reasons! Budget setting can be a very powerful tool in saving money and achieving financial independence. This blog post will outline some of the most effective ways to budget, in order to reach your monetary goals. We will get into the nitty […]

Does Bad Credit Affect Getting a Fast Cash Loan?

debt graphic

You’ve run out cash and need a loan to make it to your next payday. Do you ask friends, apply for a new credit card or take a payday loan? If speed and avoiding a credit check are at the top of your priorities list, a payday loan could be your best move. In this […]

Save on Flights for Your Next Holiday

cocktail hat camera and sunglasses on table

Planning a family holiday on a budget? Before you do, take a look at the below blog post for some helpful hints on how to squeeze every penny. We can’t always afford holidays, but we certainly need the relaxation. Whether you are trying to fly locally or abroad, there’s a bunch of clever ways you […]

4 Financial Issues That Can Throw Your Budget Out Of Whack

Broken down car cartoon

Do you want the secret to staying out of debt? It’s all about budgeting. You need to make sure that you are constantly keeping control of your spending and that you have a check on how much money you have for various different purchases and bills. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done because there […]

Why It’s So Hard to Save on Low Income

Man with a rope tug a war with money a dollar sign

When you’re in your 20s, you will most likely be on a limited income. You may even be struggling on a minimum wage. That’s a problem because according to experts, you should be saving up to 20 percent of your income each month. This means experts recommend that a significant portion of your income is stored […]

NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat