Regulator warns lenders to treat customers fairly

The Financial Regulator is warning lenders to treat customers with concerns about their debt fairly.

Consumers are also being advised to fully inform themselves about the consequences of changing the terms of their mortgages and loans.

Acting Chief Executive of the Financial Regulator Mary O'Dea says customers should not feel under pressure to make quick decisions about loans to manage their finances.

She is advising people to replace any expensive forms of credit like credit cards with more medium-term finance options.