Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised $7 Million for Credit Law Breaches

Both companies were fined $3 million each, while directors Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison received individual fines of $500,000. The court found that the scheme had generated over $91 million in fees and charges, exploiting vulnerable consumers through exorbitant costs associated with short-term loans.

ASIC's investigation revealed that between July 2022 and May 2024, the companies charged nearly $90 million in fees through a model that circumvented existing credit regulations. Despite seeking legal advice to navigate complex credit laws, the court determined that the directors' actions resulted in significant consumer harm and warranted substantial penalties.

This case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the financial sector, particularly concerning payday lending practices. Business owners and entrepreneurs should remain vigilant and ensure compliance with all credit laws to avoid severe penalties and reputational damage.