Central Credit Union recognised as an accredited Stop Loan Sharks partner
In June 2026, Central Credit Union were officially recognised by the England Illegal Money Lending Team for our work supporting the fight against loan sharks, and we are now an accredited partner of Stop Loan Sharks.
We have supported Stop Loan Sharks and their fight against illegal money lenders for many years. But this official partnership formalises something we’ve always believed in as a credit union: that everyone deserves a safe, fair way to borrow, and a safe way to ask for help if they’ve fallen victim to illegal lending.
As a credit union, we work slightly differently to a bank or a payday lender. We are not-for-profit, so any surplus goes back into fair rates and services for members, and we promote financial inclusion. This structure is part of why credit unions are so often on the front line against illegal lending. Making people aware of credit unions and encouraging them to save and borrow safely builds the kind of financial resilience and knowledge that makes them less likely to be targeted by a loan shark in the first place.
What the recognition means
The England Illegal Money Lending Team, also known as Stop Loan Sharks, investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders and supports the people they target. Since 2004, the team has helped over 33,000 people and written off more than £91.9 million of illegal debt.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said:
“The team has built a strong working relationship with Central Credit Union, recognising the commitment shown in helping to spot the warning signs of illegal lending and making sure people affected can get support”.
Our CEO, Eileen Halligan, said:
“Loan sharks don’t just target individuals, they take root in communities. Preying on people at their most vulnerable and leaving a trail of fear and debt that affects whole families and neighbourhoods. Becoming an Accredited Partner with Stop Loan Sharks means Central Credit Union can play a direct role in tackling that. Not just for our members but for anyone across our common bond who needs a safe place to turn. Our Park Street branch is now a genuine access point for support, and every one of our branches can help point people in the right direction. This is exactly the kind of work a community-owned credit union should be doing; standing between our neighbours and the people who try to exploit them.”
Why this matters for our communities
Illegal money lenders often operate within the communities they target, sometimes introduced to borrowers through friends or family.
Illegal lenders are not regulated. Their loans often come with no paperwork, hidden charges and high interest. In the worst cases, they use threats, intimidation or violence to enforce repayment. The financial and personal toll can be severe, leaving people unable to cover rent or other priority bills.
Central Credit Union (a legal lender, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority), helps people manage their money and build financial resilience. This is one of the strongest defences against illegal lenders targeting them in the first place.
What this partnership means in practice
- Our Park Street branch (141 Park Street, Liverpool, L8 6QF) is now an official Stop Loan Sharks access point, offering a safe, private space and someone who will listen without judgement
- Our other branch on Broad Lane (Unit 8, Broad Lane, Norris Green, L11 1AD), can point members and non-members alike in the right direction, even though they aren’t formal access points
- Staff across the credit union can recognise the signs of illegal lending and help people take the first step toward support.
Getting help
Anyone affected by illegal money lending, whether it’s happening to them or someone they know, can contact Stop Loan Sharks in complete confidence:
Call: 0300 555 2222 (24/7, free and confidential)
Online: www.stoploansharks.co.uk
You can also get in touch with us directly for advice and support, or find out more about the partnership, on our Stop Loan Sharks accredited partner page. Visit here.