Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised $7 Million for Credit Law Breaches

Federal Court Imposes Significant Fines on Payday Lending Scheme Operators

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The Federal Court has imposed substantial fines totaling $7 million on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions, along with their respective directors, for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws.

This ruling underscores the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) commitment to protecting consumers from predatory lending practices.

Both companies were fined $3 million each, while directors Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison received individual fines of $500,000. The court found that the scheme had generated over $91 million in fees and charges, exploiting vulnerable consumers through exorbitant costs associated with short-term loans.

ASIC's investigation revealed that between July 2022 and May 2024, the companies charged nearly $90 million in fees through a model that circumvented existing credit regulations. Despite seeking legal advice to navigate complex credit laws, the court determined that the directors' actions resulted in significant consumer harm and warranted substantial penalties.

This case highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the financial sector, particularly concerning payday lending practices. Business owners and entrepreneurs should remain vigilant and ensure compliance with all credit laws to avoid severe penalties and reputational damage.

Published:Tuesday, 5th May 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

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