NCR Cracks Down on Debt Counsellors Blocking Consumer Transfers

Your right to switch your debt counsellor is protected by law, and the National Credit Regulator (NCR) is actively enforcing it. In Guideline 004/2026, the NCR issued a definitive warning to all registered debt counsellors regarding the severe consequences of obstructing consumer transfers.

Enforcement Actions Against Non-Compliance

Any conduct by a debt counsellor that delays, obstructs, frustrates, or undermines a consumer’s absolute right to transfer will be treated as official non-compliance. This includes imposing unauthorized internal rules, refusing a transfer without lawful grounds, or failing to act reasonably and timeously.

If a debt counsellor violates these rules, the NCR can take severe regulatory enforcement actions, including:

Reviewing the debt counsellor's professional registration.

Amending their registration conditions.

Suspending their professional registration.

Completely cancelling their debt counsellor registration.

All debt counsellors are explicitly directed by the regulatory body to comply with transfer requests strictly and without any undue delay.

How to Report Prohibited Conduct

If you or your new debt counsellor experience unlawful pushback, non-cooperation, or delays from an old debt counsellor, you can report them directly to the NCR.

Disclaimer: While the NCR has taken reasonable care to ensure the factual accuracy of this guideline, it cannot guarantee such accuracy, especially with regards to future events. Accordingly, NCR does not accept any liability for damages incurred by any party as a result of National Credit Regulator decisions or actions taken pursuant to this guideline.