In Europe where growth is slow to return, credit to individuals is more crucial than ever to help the markets for real estate, household equipment or motor vehicles to get through the crisis. To fully play its role, it is time to restore consumer confidence in credit. The French are saving nearly 16 % of their income and are, with the Italians, the lowest credit users in Europe. Restoring confidence in the credit within the meaning of more access and less excess is one of the objectives of the law passed in June Wrongly described as ” scoops ” by some, the reform of this legislation go , profoundly impacting the business of consumer credit. Our primary purpose is to help consumers buy their car , equip them achieve their housing or other projects . Two out of three cars are sold on credit and generally more than 9 % of consumption is well funded. Credit is an engine of consumption and hence growth of our country. Further restrict its dissemination in the countries that use the least is not responsible.

Being responsible also means saying no. we reject third average credit applications we receive. Not for pleasure but for the benefit of the consumer, because we believe that it could not cope with deadlines , and also in our interest, because it requires that we pay the money is repaid. Being accountable means knowing how to select . It is the heart of our business. to study the creditworthiness of the borrower and make every effort to avoid the ” bad ” or ” on ” debt.

Yes , we can still improve the effectiveness of tools (Scoring) , Interbank files , file in incidents of payments ( FICP ). But most importantly, accurate analysis on a case by case, the plaintiff’s position is crucial : it is the major mission of advisers Cetelem . But not a huge file ” Big Brother ” presenting all bank accounts and credits of 60 million French people are not the ultimate weapon in avoiding over-indebtedness. For 75 % of cases of “debt overhang ” from accidents of life. Pretending that such a file , which, moreover , raises the question of individual freedoms, to avoid over-indebtedness is not very responsible.

Being responsible means offering the right solution at the right time. Yes , revolving credit has been too often the ” single solution “for applications for small amounts. With the reform law and usury rates everyone can choose the form of credit that best suits him. Being responsible means to meet contingencies of life. This is where the credit is granted it all begins. Our responsibility is to provide the best customer throughout the duration of the credit when things go well, but also in times less easy. Shared responsibility.

In France, more than 1600 people (30 % of the total) are devoted to this support with the planning solutions, deferrals or changes in due dates , enabling insurance (unemployment , illness … ). 90% of payment problems are resolved amicably and only 2 % of cases are dealt with litigation. Of course, things do not resolve amicably whatever the efforts of each other. In case of “debt overhang, aid centers specialized accompany applicants in their dealings with the commission indebtedness of the Bank of France. To deny that life is the unexpected, think that everything can be measured by tools or files or that we are all equal before the understanding of a financial product, it is hiding the reality of trade credit to individuals.

Our industry has poor image. Is this fair? Is this unfair? This is not ours to decide. We are convinced that this job can be done with professionalism in a deep respect for consumers and will play a major role in the return to growth. In addition, on an individual level, it allows consumers to realize its projects and access to better quality of life.The credit is useful both socially and economically.