CEO blog: 2025 Annual Statistics what the data tells us

At Registry Trust Ltd., our role is simple but vital: to register and provide accurate information about monetary judgments and orders so that it can be used by individuals who want to know whether they have a CCJ and used by the financial services industry to support fair, responsible lending.

This is our most comprehensive Annual Statistics publication to date and brings together the latest data from the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines to help policymakers, regulators, lenders, debt advice organisations and researchers understand what is happening across the CCJ landscape.

A system that matters more than ever

CCJs and related orders are an indicator of financial distress and sit at the intersection of consumer protection, responsible lending and access to affordable credit.

The 2025 data shows that while the overall number of judgments remains elevated compared with the pandemic period, patterns within the data are shifting. We are seeing variation by region, by value band and by sector, alongside important changes in how quickly debts are satisfied. These nuances matter. They help us move beyond headline totals and understand what is really happening on the ground.

For example, the proportion of judgments that are satisfied - and the speed at which that happens - continues to be a measure of whether people are able to resolve debts and rebuild their financial position. Recording satisfactions accurately and promptly ensures that credit files reflect the most up-to-date picture and that consumers are not disadvantaged when they have paid what they owe. This remains an area where consistent reporting practices by creditors are essential and where we would like to see mandatory reporting burdens shifted from defendants to bulk claimants.

Commercial judgments: a different story to tell

One of the most important themes emerging from this year’s publication is the continued relevance of commercial judgments.

While public attention often focuses on consumer CCJs, judgments against businesses point to things like trading conditions, cash flow pressures and supply-chain resilience. The 2025 figures highlight how different sectors are experiencing recovery at different speeds, with some businesses facing persistent challenges even as others stabilise.

For lenders, insurers and policymakers, these data points provide warning signs. For the businesses themselves, they underline the importance of timely resolution and accurate recording of satisfied debts so that access to credit can be restored as quickly as possible.

Regional patterns and local realities

The data also reinforces that financial difficulty is not evenly distributed. Regional variations in judgment volumes and values reflect wider economic differences, local labour markets and the impact of housing and energy costs at a time when the cost-of-living crisis remains a challenge.

Understanding these patterns could help local authorities, devolved administrations and advice providers target support where it is most needed. It could also help lenders refine risk assessments in a way that recognises local context rather than relying solely on national averages.

The wider UK picture

Across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, the data show both similarities and differences in how credit and recovery are playing out. In some areas, changes are modest and not statistically significant year-on-year; in others, there are clearer shifts that warrant attention.

Presenting these figures transparently - and with appropriate caveats - is an important part of our role. It ensures that stakeholders can draw evidence-based conclusions without over-interpreting short-term fluctuations.

Why accurate data matters

At its core, the Register is about fairness. Accurate, timely information helps lenders make responsible decisions, supports access to affordable credit and ensures that individuals and businesses are not held back by outdated records.

It also enables policymakers and regulators to identify emerging risks, monitor the effectiveness of interventions and design policies that improve financial resilience. As economic conditions continue to evolve, the value of reliable, independent data only grows.

Looking ahead

This year’s statistics underline the importance of collaboration. Creditors, courts, credit reference agencies, debt advice organisations and government all play a role in ensuring the system works as intended.

Our focus in the year ahead will be on:

• continuing to improve data quality and completeness
• supporting better reporting of satisfied judgments
• deepening analysis of commercial and regional trends
• integrating claimant name when government legislation comes into force
• working with partners to ensure the Register supports financial inclusion and fair access to credit

We hope this year’s publication provides useful insight and prompts constructive discussion. It’s very much a work-in-progress as we build our data analytics capabilities. Above all, we hope it helps stakeholders across the credit ecosystem make decisions that support both responsible lending and better outcomes for people and businesses working to resolve debt.

You can explore the full Annual Statistics publication and our detailed analysis here . We welcome feedback and collaboration from all who use the data and are happy to talk to anyone interested in the information.