The High Court yesterday released a judgment that further clarifies the rules that lenders must comply with when charging credit fees to borrowers.

The judgment is the second issued in ongoing proceedings taken by the Commerce Commission against Sportzone Motorcycles Limited (in liquidation) (Sportzone) and Motor Trade Finances Limited (MTF).

The Commission has alleged that the companies charged unreasonable establishment fees, account maintenance fees, and arrears fees to borrowers of motor vehicle finance, in breach of s 41 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCF Act).

Chairman Dr Mark Berry said this case is the latest word on how credit fees may be calculated, and the facts provide good case-studies for lenders to consider.

MTF and Sportzone have appealed both judgments. Those appeals will be heard in the Court of Appeal on 19 and 20 November.

The High Court judgment can be found on the Enforcement Response Register.

The earlier judgment of September 2013 can also be found on the Enforcement Response Register.