Effective Date: 1st January 2025

The Money Advice Centre ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

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Who We Are

The Money Advice Centre is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 14186998).

Registered Office: Suite 1, Egerton House, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 2DX.

We are an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised principal firm.

FCA Registration Number: 1003359.

You can verify our registration on the Financial Services Register:

https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0014G00003CoNMGQA3

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Information We Collect

We collect personal information directly from you when you use our website, make an enquiry, or consent to further contact. This may include:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Postcode

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Loan purpose

• Loan amount

• Consent to be contacted by: phone, SMS, WhatsApp, email, or post

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Understand your financial needs and requirements

• Contact you based on your preferred communication channels

• Refer you to FCA-authorised lenders, brokers, or The Money Advice Centre Affiliates

• Provide relevant financial guidance or loan options

• Improve our services and website functionality

• Fulfil regulatory and compliance obligations

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Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under the UK GDPR:

• Consent: You have given clear permission for us to process your personal data for specific purposes.

• Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as business management and service optimisation, where your rights do not override our interests.

• Legal Obligation: Where necessary to comply with regulatory requirements or law.

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Who We Share Your Data With

Where you provide consent, we may share your data with:

• FCA-regulated third parties and partners

• The Money Advice Centre Affiliates

• Our technology providers, including CRM platforms

We will only share data necessary for the provision of relevant services, and only with organisations that comply with data protection laws.

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Use of CRM System (Hubsolv)

We manage customer communications and data securely through our CRM provider, Hubsolv. Communication through Hubsolv only occurs once you have opted in. You may opt out of communications at any time via:

• Phone

• SMS

• WhatsApp

• Email

• Post

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Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with our legal obligations. Generally, your data will be retained for up to six (6) years from your last interaction unless regulatory requirements require a longer retention.

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Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Rectify any incorrect or outdated information

• Request erasure of your data (right to be forgotten)

• Restrict or object to processing

• Data portability

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise these rights, email: [email protected]

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Security of Your Data

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including encryption, restricted access, and staff training. We regularly review our systems to ensure data integrity and security.

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Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and help us understand site usage.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for site functionality and performance.

• Performance Cookies: Collect anonymous information about website usage.

• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences (e.g., form data).

• Targeting/Advertising Cookies: Deliver personalised ads based on your behaviour.

Third-Party Tracking Tools:

We may also use tools such as:

• Google Analytics

• Meta Pixel (Facebook Pixel)

• Other analytics or advertising platforms

These tools may collect data such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and links clicked. They help us improve user experience and optimise marketing efforts.

Cookie Control:

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time. However, doing so may affect website functionality. By continuing to use our website, you consent to the placement of cookies unless disabled manually.

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Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before submitting any personal information.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page. Please check back regularly to stay informed of any changes.

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Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

The Money Advice Centre

Suite 1, Egerton House

Wilmslow Road

Manchester

M20 2DX

Email: [email protected]