Short Term Loans vs Credit Card — Which is Better?

Short Term Loans vs Credit Card - Which is Better - Cigno Loans

If you need quick cash, there’s a couple of things you can do — get a short term loan or use a credit card. With a short term loan, just complete the application process and the funds will be transferred to your account on the same day, sometimes within the hour. With a credit card, go […]

Cheap School Holiday Ideas with The Kids

Cheap Fun With The Kids On School Holidays - Cigno Loans

“Mum, I’m bored!” Are you wondering what to do with kids these school holidays? While camping out and going to the beach to swim are common, you can do other cheap & fun activities too! Here are some suggestions that will surely excite the kids and make lasting memories. Fun competitions at home Hold a […]

The Possibility To Acquire Payday Loans With A Bad Credit

fix bad credit score

There are times when you need payday loans to get through a financial situation. Taking out a payday loan when you have a bad credit score is possible. We know that trying to acquire a loan with a bad credit can be a challenge, especially when it shows on your credit file. Some lenders can […]

Using Payday Loans to Lower Interest Rates

Cigno Loans - Payday Loans AU

There are days when you are unavoidably short of money. Spending for an emergency, paying bills, and buying groceries can take a toll on your finances. These can all pile up until you don’t have enough money for the rest of your expenses. At these times, you look to your family and friends for extra […]

Are Payday Loans A Good Idea?

Cigno Loans - Payday Loans AU

There will come a time when you must take out a loan for your home, bills, or your family. If you need payday loans to get you through a financial emergency, it is essential that you do examine and choose the suitable one for you. Payday loans have been popular and indispensable for quite sometime now. […]

Can I Get A Loan The Same Day?

Cigno - Payday Loans AU

You can take out a payday loan (short-term loan or cash loan) and get an access to funds on the same day if you’re running out of cash. Payday loans in Australia are like short-term loans which offer small loan amount, usually up to $2,000 and must be reimbursed between 16 days and 1 year. […]

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