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Calls for govt to be realistic on loan sharks

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 28 Jun 2018, 9:29AM
Some loan sharks are charging 800 per cent interest. (Photo / Getty)

Calls for govt to be realistic on loan sharks

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 28 Jun 2018, 9:29AM

There are renewed calls for the government to be be realistic when taking on loan sharks.

A discussion paper's been released which looks at capping interest rates and fees, and bringing in tougher punishments for flouting laws.

This follows extremely high interest rates on loans coming to light, with some going up to 800 percent interest.

Financial Services Federation executive director Lyn McMorran told Mike Hosking a cap on interest rates would need to work for both lenders and borrowers.

"You do have to come up with something reasonable but I don't think anyone will think 800 per cent is reasonable. There's three options in the discussion paper and room for people to come up with others."

McMorran says the Commerce Commission needs lots of resources to carry out the work.

"When they do do their jobs, they do it really well. The trouble is they are too stretched. There's too many of these loan sharks, unfortunately."

LISTEN TO LYN MCMORRAN TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

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