MALG Community Catch Up: April 2026

In this edition:

New Research Warns: Generative AI Could Transform Debt Advice – But Only with Guardrails

If you haven’t yet had chance to read the Evidence Report and used the resources (including Safe-Use Framework, Adviser Guide and Templates Pack) coming out of our research project on safe and effective use of Gen AI in debt advice, please do so.

The Roadmap above, developed by our research partners Wyser, is something we hope advice organisations can implement immediately. You can also read the press release with a quote from Anna Hall at Money & Pensions Service about why they funded the research and an outline of the 12 key findings here.

Podcast Episode 16: From Fragmented to Connected – Rethinking ‘Tell Us Once’ for Disabled and Vulnerable Customers

The latest episode of the MALG Podcast brings us ‘full circle’ from the very first episode by bringing back the inimitable Chris Fitch to talk about his latest work on vulnerability data-sharing.

He discusses Money Advice Trust’s newly-published report ‘Tell Us Twenty’; a review of initiatives that allow people to share their support needs with multiple organisations. The conversation explores how improved sharing across existing schemes could address the failed and unrealistic ambition to create a single ‘Tell Us Once’ system for disabled and vulnerable people, giving them control over their data and avoiding unnecessary repetition of their circumstances.

National Members Meeting May 2026: Register Now

We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the Arboretum in London on 14 May for our next National Members Meeting to hear about:

• Problem Debt and the Risk of Homelessness Report
  • Sharon Collard, Professor of Personal Finance & Research Co-Director – University of Bristol Personal Finance Research Centre
• NEW Finfluencer Research: Financial Guidance on Social Media Platforms
  • Eileen Tipoe, Reader in Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London
• Financial Health Report 2026
  • Rhys Howells, Head of Market Intelligence – Equifax
• Regulation of Deferred Payment Credit Final Rules (BNPL)
  • Nick Wood, Consumer Finance Policy – Financial Conduct Authority

There will also be the opportunity to take part in group discussions and enjoy a networking lunch.

Conference 2026: Bookings Open

Theme: Nobody Left Behind: Driving Systemic Change for People in Debt

Date: Thursday 12 November 2026

Venue: St George’s Hall, Liverpool (opposite Lime Street Station)

Programme and Speakers: Details coming soon

Headline Sponsor & Exhibitor: CDER Group

Other Sponsors & Exhibitors confirmed so far:

• Dukes Bailiffs
• Wyser
• Lantern
• Experian
• Lester Aldridge
• PRA Group

Several Exhibition Stands and Sponsorship Packages are still available but please get in touch on info@malg.org.uk as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Other Upcoming Events

MALG Members Friday Forum (sponsored by PRA Group): Join us for a fortnightly drop-in session to discuss the latest issues you’re facing with professionals from across the whole debt landscape. The next fortnightly session is on 8 May 2026.

Regional Meetings: After today’s MALG South East Meeting, there are no more Regional Meetings scheduled until June – watch this space for more details and save the dates listed in the events calendar. Find out more about our Regional Groups, including key contacts for each, here.

External Events: New MALG CEO Peg Alexander is attending various sector-wide events in the coming months including the Vulnerability Registration Service Conference in Nottingham on 7 May 2026 where she’ll be facilitating a panel session entitled: ‘Vulnerability Through the Lens of Data: New Evidence & Emerging Trends’.

If you have not received invitations for any MALG events and think you are eligible, please contact info@malg.org.uk.