Dos and Don’ts – Applying for a Centrelink Loan

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There are many benefits to getting a Centrelink loan. One of which is to use the funds in debt consolidation to pay off your existing debt. For borrowers who are currently receiving benefits from Centrelink, they may find it difficult to get a loan. We run through the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ when it comes to […]

Cheap Activities To Do These Holidays

Cheap Activities To Do These Holidays - Cigno Loans Australia

Your kids will want to have fun these coming holidays, but the economy might not cooperate. Why don’t you have some fun activities to do that won’t break the bank at the same time? Here are cheap and fun activities the family will love to do these holidays. Make cards for Christmas You can make […]

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 […]

Cash Loans With No Credit Check – How Do They Work?

Cash loans can be very helpful in situations where you’re running low on money and need funds fast. In this article, we’re going to explain some of the factors that make cash loans with no credit check so well suited to those in desperate financial circumstances. Heard about payday loans before and want to learn […]

Top Facts About Cash Loans For Bad Credit

Financial Budget sheet

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 […]

Can You Get A Loan While On Centrelink Benefits?

empty wallet

When it comes to lenders determining a borrower’s suitability for a loan, they usually look at various criteria such as income, expenses, and credit history. For those who receive Centrelink payments, they may be wondering if getting approved for loans for people on benefits is possible since they relatively have a low income. Can I […]

4 Things You Should Never Do With A Cash Loan

Couple reviewing their accounts with a digital tablet

More and more of us are spending too much and saving too little. There are now loads of ways for people to run short on money month-to-month. Whether you have a family household to look after or you live in your own place, when money is tight, a fast cash loan could be your best […]

How a Cash Advance Can Help You After a Disaster

Calculating your student loans, A golden piggy bank with a grad hat on a calculator with word loans over a distressed wood background

In 2017, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released a statement claiming that that nearly 1 out of every 3 Australian households was over-indebted. That number that has grown by 8% from 2003 – 2016. Being in debt is difficult on its own, but imagine being in debt when a natural disaster strikes. Earthquakes, floods, destructive winds, road […]

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