Solvar Pays $1.55M Penalty to Close ASIC Case and Move on From 2019-21 Issues

By John Zadeh -

Solvar concludes ASIC matter with $1.55 million penalty

The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Money3 Loans Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Solvar Ltd, to pay a pecuniary penalty of $1.55 million for contraventions of the National Consumer Credit Act during the period 2019 to 2021. This matter was first disclosed to the market on 8 September 2025, and today’s decision represents the conclusion of the regulatory proceedings. The quantified penalty provides certainty, allowing the company to move forward without this matter overhanging operations.

What is the National Consumer Credit Act?

The National Consumer Credit Act is Australia’s primary legislation governing responsible lending practices, designed to protect consumers accessing credit products. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) enforces these standards, with contraventions typically relating to inadequate assessment of borrower suitability or failures in hardship provisions. Lenders must demonstrate they have properly evaluated a consumer’s capacity to repay before extending credit.

Governance improvements since 2021

CEO and Managing Director Scott Baldwin stated that Money3 has invested in strengthening governance, complaints handling, hardship processes, and underwriting practices since the period in question. The company has already addressed the issues that led to the contraventions, implementing enhanced controls across its lending operations. Management’s forward-looking approach demonstrates a commitment to compliance and operational improvement.

CEO and Managing Director Scott Baldwin

“Since the period in question Money3 has invested further in its Governance, Complaints, Hardship and underwriting practices lifting Group capabilities and setting a stronger foundation from which to grow.”

Solvar’s market position

Solvar is a leading provider of specialised finance in Australia and New Zealand with over 20 years’ experience in consumer and commercial lending. The company has funded more than $2 billion of vehicles and personal loans, dominating the used-vehicle finance market through broker, online, and direct channels. Baldwin noted that Money3 remains committed to providing finance for underserviced consumers, typically enabling them to access used vehicles and improve their ability to participate in society.

The $1.55 million penalty represents a discrete historical matter within the context of a substantial, established business. The Court’s decision brings regulatory closure, allowing investors to assess the financial impact with finality rather than uncertainty. With enhanced governance frameworks now in place, the business operates under materially improved controls compared to the 2019-2021 period when the contraventions occurred.

Don’t Miss the Next Financial Services Update

Join 20,000+ investors receiving FREE real-time ASX alerts with in-depth analysis delivered within minutes of market announcements. Get breaking news from across Financial Services and beyond—click the “Free Alerts” button at Big News Blast to stay ahead on regulatory developments, capital raises, and sector-moving updates.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Solvar ASIC Federal Court penalty about?

The Federal Court of Australia ordered Money3 Loans Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Solvar Ltd, to pay a $1.55 million penalty for contraventions of the National Consumer Credit Act during the period 2019 to 2021, concluding the ASIC regulatory proceedings.

How much did Solvar's subsidiary Money3 Loans have to pay in penalties?

The Federal Court ordered Money3 Loans Pty Ltd to pay a pecuniary penalty of $1.55 million for breaching Australia's National Consumer Credit Act.

What improvements has Money3 made following the ASIC contraventions?

According to CEO Scott Baldwin, since the 2019–2021 period in question, Money3 has invested in strengthening its governance, complaints handling, hardship processes, and underwriting practices to build a stronger foundation for future growth.

What is the National Consumer Credit Act and why does it matter for ASX lenders?

The National Consumer Credit Act is Australia's primary responsible lending legislation, enforced by ASIC, which requires lenders to properly assess a borrower's capacity to repay before extending credit — breaches can result in Federal Court penalties as seen in the Solvar case.

Is the ASIC matter against Solvar now fully resolved?

Yes, the Federal Court's decision to impose the $1.55 million penalty represents the conclusion of the regulatory proceedings, providing investors with certainty about the financial impact with no further matter outstanding.

John Zadeh
By John Zadeh
Founder & CEO
John Zadeh is a investor and media entrepreneur with over a decade in financial markets. As Founder and CEO of StockWire X and Discovery Alert, Australia's largest mining news site, he's built an independent financial publishing group serving investors across the globe.
Learn More
Companies Mentioned in Article
SVR

Breaking ASX Alerts Direct to Your Inbox

Join +20,000 subscribers receiving alerts.

Join thousands of investors who rely on StockWire X for timely, accurate market intelligence.

About the Publisher