Introduction
- Define the minimum parameters that all debt counselor system solutions must comply with;
- Require a formal audit of each debt counselor software package; and
- Require that the findings from these audits should be published and be available to both debt counsellors and credit providers. This audit should evaluate both the rules, which are applied in performing the debt restructuring, as well as whether the internal controls are appropriate to make sure consistency and integrity. 2. Minimum requirements for debt restructuring software packages A framework for assessing debt restructuring software packages are set out below. These framework parameters are not designed to prescribe or endorse any particular debt restructuring software application or any particular approach to debt restricting, but rather to establish principles with which all such models should comply and establish a basis for NCR system audits, accreditation and consequentially agreed change control procedures. These change control procedures must include the necessary checklists and specific test results set to confirm that the correct level of testing has been undertaken, in order to make sure that software packages are stable before being deployed into the wider market. Audits will confirm that the software packages are functioning as per the agreed criteria for debt restructuring. The task team proposes the following parameters for the assessment of the debt restructuring software packages:-
Introduction The purpose of this annexure is to define the standards that debt counsellors system providers must comply with. The manner in and integrity with which eligibility, affordability and reckless lending assessments are supported, debt restructuring proposals are formulated and payments are allocated to different credit providers, debt counsellors, PDA’s and lawyers constitutes a critical factor in the success of the debt review process. Given the complexity of these tasks systems support is required and the success in meeting this requirement is therefore determined by the different debt counselor systems solutions and debt restricting application software, which debt counsellors utilise. There are around 5 different software packages available and more than 90% of the registered debt counsellors use one of these (2 of the applications dominate the market). These software packages were developed and supported by either payment distribution agents or debt counseling firms based upon their experience in debt mediation or debt administration. The NCR task team recognizes the need for a framework of parameters, which could be used to evaluate debt counselor system solutions and the rules applied in debt restructuring software packages. This should facilitate increased reliability, trust and consistency in conducting debt reviews and the development of debt restricting proposals. The task team therefore proposes that the NCR publishes guidelines which should:
NDRC Practice NoteLast reviewed 2026-04
Anchored in NCA s 44 read with NCR Regulation 24. Annexure C is the technical-system counterpart to the conduct rules in Annexure A.
Drawn from NDRC's active case work. For your situation, see our debt counselling overview.
Cite this clause
National Credit Regulator. (2015). Annexure C — Minimum Debt Counselling System Requirements, clause 1: Introduction. Guideline 001/2015 (Debt Review Task Team Agreements 2010), p. 56.