Link Financial Outsourcing is a debt purchasing company based in Caerphilly, Wales and London. They buy old debt portfolios from banks, utilities, and other lenders — then chase you for the full amount. They’re legitimate and FCA-authorised, but if you’ve received a letter about a debt you don’t recognise, you have the right to challenge it.
Who Are Link Financial? #
Full legal name: Link Financial Outsourcing Limited Company number: 07059696 (incorporated 28 October 2009) Registered office: 11 Belgrave Road, London, SW1V 1RB Operational centre: Caerphilly, Wales — purpose-built facility opened December 2015, employs hundreds of staff for customer-facing operations, call centre, and account administration FCA authorisation: FRN 606817 Credit Services Association (CSA) membership: No. 321 (member since 21 February 2001) VAT registration: 884251409 Parent company: LC Financial Holdings Ltd (LC Group) Associated investment firm: LCM Partners Ltd / LCM Capital LLP S&P Global ratings: “Above Average” and “Strong” servicer rankings European operations: 9 countries, managing 7+ million accounts ICO registered: Yes, for data protection compliance
The two details to verify first are the legal entity and the payment route. Companies House lists Link Financial Outsourcing Limited as active under company number 07059696, and the FCA register identifies the firm by FRN 606817. Link’s own customer site gives a Caerphilly PO Box and email route for payment-plan forms, so do not rely on a phone number, text link or payment page from an unexpected message until it matches the official details.
The Complex Regulatory History #
Link Financial Outsourcing Limited (FRN 606817) is the current authorised entity. However, the group has a complex history.
Previous registrations under “Link Financial Management”:
- FRN 187100 (no longer authorised)
- FRN 231863 (no longer authorised)
If you received letters years ago from “Link Financial Management,” it’s the same group — but the regulatory structure has changed. The current entity (Link Financial Outsourcing Limited, FRN 606817) is the one you should verify and complain to.
London vs Caerphilly: The Two-Site Model #
London (11 Belgrave Road, Pimlico) is the strategic and regulatory hub. Senior management is based here, and the office integrates with other LC Group companies like LCM Partners for portfolio acquisition and investment management.
Caerphilly, Wales is the operational engine room. The vast majority of customer-facing activities happen here: primary servicing, account administration, telephone recovery. If you call Link Financial or speak to a field agent, you’re likely dealing with the Caerphilly team.
The Caerphilly office also houses a Specialist Support Team that consistently receives praise in Trustpilot reviews for empathy when dealing with vulnerable customers, mental health issues, or severe financial anxiety. If you’re in a vulnerable position, ask for this team by name.
Do Link Financial Buy Debt or Collect It? #
This is the most important thing to understand. Link Financial operates a dual business model, and which one applies to your debt changes everything: your rights, settlement options, and who you ultimately owe.
Primary Model: Debt Purchaser #
Link Financial buys and services portfolios of non-performing loans. The commercial price paid for a portfolio is not normally disclosed account by account and is not a standard settlement rate.
If a Link entity validly purchases and is assigned an account, that entity may become the legal owner and seek the balance that is lawfully due. Check the notice of assignment and statement rather than assuming ownership from a collection letter.
The portfolio purchase price is commercially confidential and does not create a settlement tariff. Link or the legal owner may consider an offer, but no discount is guaranteed.
Secondary Model: Third-Party Servicer #
Link Financial also acts as a “white-label” servicer for debts owned by other lenders. In this model:
- The original lender retains ownership
- Link manages the account using their technology and scale
- Link collects on behalf of the lender and takes a fee or commission
Why This Matters to You #
If Link purchased your debt:
- They own it. You deal with them directly.
- They have more flexibility to settle for a lower percentage.
- You need proof they legally acquired the debt (Notice of Assignment — see below).
If Link is servicing debt on behalf of someone else:
- The original lender still owns it. Link is just the middleman.
- Settlement offers may require the original lender’s approval.
- You may have more leverage by going back to the original lender directly.
How to Find Out Which Model Applies #
Ask Link Financial directly: “Do you own this debt, or are you collecting it on behalf of another company?”
Ask for the answer in writing, along with the original creditor name, current owner, balance breakdown and any assignment notice. This affects your strategy for negotiation, settlement, dispute and complaint. If Link is only servicing the account, your dispute may need to be passed back to the creditor that still owns the debt.
Who Do Link Financial Collect For? #
Link Financial manages a vast portfolio across multiple sectors. Here’s who they collect for:
Consumer Credit #
- Barclaycard — credit cards, personal loans
- Capital One — credit cards
- MBNA — credit cards
- High-street banks — overdrafts, personal loans
Utilities and Telecommunications #
- Npower — energy bills
- O2 — mobile phone contracts
- Water companies — unpaid bills
Government Debts #
- HMRC — tax arrears
- DVLA — vehicle excise duty (car tax), unpaid fines
- Local councils — parking fines, council tax arrears
Asset Finance #
- Auto loans
- Mortgages (shortfall debt after repossession)
- Student loans
Retail Credit #
- Littlewoods and similar catalogue companies
Debt Sold Multiple Times #
If you don’t recognise the original creditor Link mentions, it may be because the debt has been sold multiple times before Link bought it. Each sale transfers ownership, but the debt remains the same.
You have the right to request full documentation showing the chain of ownership from the original creditor to Link Financial.
The Notice of Assignment — Your First Line of Defence #
When Link Financial buys a debt, the legal transfer is called an “assignment of claim” under Section 136 of the Law of Property Act 1925.
What Is a Notice of Assignment? #
A Notice of Assignment is a formal letter that must be sent to you (the debtor) confirming:
- The debt has been legally transferred from the original creditor to Link Financial
- The name of the original creditor
- The amount you owe
- That Link Financial is now the legal owner
Why It Matters #
Without a Notice of Assignment, the legal transfer isn’t complete against you. You have the right to refuse payment until Link provides this notice.
This is not optional. It’s a legal requirement. If Link is demanding payment but hasn’t sent you a Notice of Assignment, they’re not entitled to enforce the debt against you yet.
How to Check #
Does the letter from Link Financial:
- Name the original creditor (e.g., “debt originally owed to Barclaycard”)?
- State the amount you owe?
- Explicitly reference that the debt has been assigned to Link Financial?
If you haven’t received this, write to Link Financial:
“I have not received a Notice of Assignment as required by Section 136 of the Law of Property Act 1925. Please provide this before I make any payment or acknowledge the debt.”
How to Challenge a Link Financial Debt (“Prove It”) #
Link Financial manages over 7 million accounts across Europe. With that volume, data errors happen. Debts get mixed up. Balances are wrong. Agreements are lost. Previous owners of the debt may have failed to keep proper records.
Before you acknowledge the debt or make any payment, challenge them to prove it.
What to Request in Writing #
Send a letter to Link Financial demanding:
A copy of the credit agreement where the debt is regulated consumer credit — for example a credit card, loan or catalogue account. Use a Consumer Credit Act section 77/78 request for regulated agreements, but remember this route does not fit every debt type.
A full statement of account — showing how the balance was calculated, including:
- The original amount borrowed
- All payments you made
- All interest and charges added
- The current balance Link is claiming
Evidence of the legal assignment — proof that the debt was legally transferred from the original creditor to Link Financial. This includes the Notice of Assignment and any intermediate sales if the debt changed hands multiple times.
The original creditor and debt type — this matters because overdrafts, utilities, tax, telecoms and regulated credit agreements do not all have the same proof route or limitation risks.
What Happens If They Can’t Provide This? #
If Link Financial (or the original creditor) cannot provide the documents needed for the type of debt they are chasing, do not agree to a payment plan just to end contact. Ask them to put the account on hold while they investigate and keep copies of every letter.
For regulated credit agreements, failure to comply with a valid Consumer Credit Act request can affect enforceability while the default continues. For other debts, the issue may be different: wrong person, wrong balance, missing assignment, old-debt limitation, or the need to complain to the original creditor. Get advice before relying on one legal argument, especially if you have received a Letter of Claim or court papers.
Template “Prove It” Letter #
Dear Link Financial Outsourcing Limited,
Account Reference: [Your reference number]
I dispute the debt you claim I owe. Before I make any payment or acknowledge this debt, I require you to provide:
- The agreement copy required by any applicable section 77–79 Consumer Credit Act request
- A full statement of account showing how the balance was calculated
- Evidence of the legal assignment of this debt from [original creditor] to Link Financial Outsourcing Limited
Until you provide these documents, I will not be making any payments or acknowledging this debt.
Yours faithfully, [Your name]
Send this by recorded delivery. Keep a copy.
Link Financial Harassment — Your Rights #
Debt contact can feel overwhelming, but whether a pattern is unfair or oppressive depends on the frequency, timing, content, circumstances and any reasonable communication request. Keep a dated contact log and copies rather than relying on online complaint anecdotes.
What the Law Says #
The Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC 7) sets clear rules on what debt collectors can and cannot do.
Link Financial must NOT:
- Contact you at unreasonable intervals or times, taking account of your circumstances
- Use documents that look like court papers or government letters when they’re not
- Pressure you to sell your home, borrow more money, or go without essentials to pay them
- Discuss your debt with your family, neighbours, or employer without your permission
- Threaten actions they cannot legally take (e.g., “we’ll send bailiffs” when they can’t)
- Ignore a reasonable request about the timing, location or method of contact without properly considering it
Assess the actual contact pattern #
Record each call, message, letter or visit, what was said and any request you made. An old account, overseas address or doorstep visit can raise separate identity, limitation, jurisdiction or authority questions; none should be decided from the Link name alone. A field collector is not a bailiff and has no general power to enter or seize goods.
What to Do If You’re Being Harassed #
- Request letter-only contact — Write to Link Financial:
“I request that all future contact regarding account reference [your reference] be in writing only. Do not call my phone or send text messages.”
Under FCA rules, they must have due regard to a reasonable request about timing, location or communication method, although necessary contact may continue.
Document everything — Keep copies of all letters, emails, voicemails, and text messages. Note dates and times of calls.
Complain to Link Financial — Write a formal complaint (see “How to Complain” section below).
Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service — If Link doesn’t resolve your complaint within 8 weeks, escalate to the FOS at financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
Report to the FCA — Serious breaches (threatening violence, repeatedly calling after being told to stop) should be reported to the Financial Conduct Authority at fca.org.uk/consumers.
Can Link Financial Send Bailiffs? #
No. Link Financial field agents are not bailiffs.
This is one of the most common sources of anxiety. Let’s be clear about the difference.
Link Financial Field Agents #
- No right of entry — They cannot force their way into your home
- Cannot seize goods — They have no power to take your belongings
- Role: Discussion, negotiation, delivering notices
If a Link Financial agent knocks on your door:
- You don’t have to let them in. Tell them to leave.
- If they refuse to leave, that’s harassment. Call the police.
- Request letter-only contact and close the door.
Court-Appointed Bailiffs #
These are completely different. Bailiffs (in England and Wales) or sheriff officers (in Scotland) are appointed by a court after Link Financial has:
- Taken you to court
- Won a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or decree
- Applied for a warrant to send bailiffs
Bailiffs have enforcement powers. Link Financial field agents do not.
For more on the difference, see our bailiffs guide.
Can You Settle a Link Financial Debt for Less? #
A settlement may be considered, but the creditor or legal owner decides and there is no reliable standard percentage. The outcome can depend on ownership of the account, its legal status, affordability evidence and the lump sum available.
Before paying, get written confirmation that the agreed amount is accepted as full and final settlement, that no remaining balance will be pursued or sold, and how the account will be reported to credit reference agencies. Do not use money needed for priority bills.
Is Your Link Financial Debt Statute-Barred? #
This is especially relevant for Link Financial because they buy old debt portfolios. You may be contacted about a debt you haven’t heard about in 5, 10, or even 15 years.
What Is Statute-Barred? #
A debt becomes “statute-barred” (also called “time-barred” or “prescribed”) after a certain period with no payment or written acknowledgement. Once statute-barred, the creditor cannot take you to court to recover it.
England and Wales: many simple-contract claims use a six-year period. Scotland: relevant obligations can use a five-year prescription period. The start date, debt type, payments, acknowledgement and any judgment or decree matter, and the legal effect differs by jurisdiction.
Work out the legal timeline #
The cause of action is the starting point; a payment or qualifying written acknowledgement can affect time. In England and Wales, an event before expiry can restart limitation for some debts, but section 29(7) prevents a later event reviving a right that is already barred. Scottish prescription differs. Get advice before paying or writing about liability.
Can Link Financial Still Contact You? #
FCA rules restrict misleading or unfair pursuit where a regulated firm knows a consumer-credit debt is statute-barred. If you say you will not pay, continued demands are restricted. A limitation defence can still need to be filed if a claim is issued, so do not ignore court papers.
What to Do If You Think Your Debt Is Time-Barred #
- Check the dates — When was your last payment? When did you last acknowledge the debt?
- Do NOT make a payment — This restarts the clock.
- Do NOT acknowledge the debt in writing — Even saying “I owe this” counts as acknowledgement.
- Write to Link Financial:
Dear Link Financial Outsourcing Limited,
Account Reference: [Your reference]
I believe this debt is statute-barred under the Limitation Act 1980. My last payment was on [date], which is over 6 years ago. I have not acknowledged this debt since that date.
Please provide the dates and documents you rely on. I do not admit liability and will obtain advice before responding further.
Yours faithfully, [Your name]
Send by recorded delivery. Keep a copy.
For more detail, see our statute of limitations help and advice page.
Link Financial’s European Operations #
Link Financial isn’t just a UK company. They operate in 9 countries across Europe, managing over 7 million accounts.
France: Link Financial SAS #
Link Financial established a permanent operation in Nantes, France in 2018 under the subsidiary Link Financial SAS. This office is led by Guillaume de Trogoff, who brings 20 years of experience from BNP Paribas.
Why French people search for Link Financial:
- Link contacts French consumers about debts assigned from French banks and consumer lenders
- French law (Article 1322 of the Civil Code, effective October 2016) requires a “notification of assignment” to be sent to confirm the debt is owed to Link Financial, not the original lender
If you’re in France and being contacted by Link Financial, the same rules apply: request proof of assignment, challenge the debt, check if it’s time-barred under French limitation rules.
Ireland: Galway Office #
Link Financial provides credit management services from an office in Galway, Ireland. This office is subject to the Irish Financial Services Ombudsman.
Cross-Border Debt Collection #
If you owe a UK debt but now live abroad (or vice versa), Link can still contact you. However:
- They must comply with the laws of the country where you currently live
- Enforceability depends on the original credit agreement and the jurisdiction
- You may have stronger protections in your current country than under UK law
If you’ve moved abroad and Link Financial is chasing you: Seek legal advice in your country of residence. The rules for cross-border debt enforcement are complex and vary by jurisdiction.
Your Rights When Dealing with Link Financial #
Link Financial is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They must comply with FCA CONC rules, which include:
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) #
- No aggressive practices, harassment, or misleading statements
- Cannot misrepresent their powers (e.g., claiming they’re bailiffs when they’re not)
- Cannot contact you at unreasonable times (e.g., late at night, early morning)
- Cannot discuss your debt with third parties (family, neighbours, employers) without your permission
Vulnerable Customer Protections #
Link Financial must identify and support vulnerable customers. If you have:
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
- Serious illness or disability
- Recent bereavement or relationship breakdown
- Other circumstances affecting your ability to deal with debt
Tell Link Financial in writing. They must:
- Stop aggressive collection tactics
- Provide extra time to respond
- Offer alternative communication methods
- Consider suspending collection activity while you seek debt advice
Ask for the Specialist Support Team #
Link Financial’s Caerphilly office has a Specialist Support Team that consistently receives praise in Trustpilot reviews for empathy and compassion when dealing with vulnerable customers.
If mental health or another vulnerability affects communication or affordability, explain the support or adjustment you need and ask for the appropriate support team. Keep the response in writing.
Your Right to Request Letter-Only Contact #
Use the reasonable-communication request above, explain any vulnerability or accessibility need and keep a copy. FCA rules require due regard to the request, although necessary and proportionate contact may continue.
Your Right to Challenge the Debt #
You have the right to request:
- A copy of the original credit agreement (s77/78 Consumer Credit Act 1974)
- Full statement of account
- Proof of legal assignment from original creditor to Link Financial
Your Right to Request a Return to the Original Creditor #
If Link is servicing the debt on behalf of someone else, you can ask them to return your account to the original creditor:
“I request that you return my account to [original creditor]. I will deal with them directly.”
Link may comply, or they may refuse if they have a contract with the creditor to pursue the debt. But it’s worth trying, especially if you have a better relationship with the original lender.
How to Stop Link Financial Contacting You #
You have several options depending on your situation.
Option 1: Pay the Debt or Set Up a Repayment Plan #
The most straightforward way to stop Link contacting you is to clear the debt. If you can’t pay in full:
- Negotiate a repayment plan you can afford
- Ask for the Specialist Support Team if you need empathy and flexibility
- Get the agreement in writing before making any payments
Option 2: Request Letter-Only Contact #
If calls and texts are causing difficulty, request post or email and explain any vulnerability or accessibility need. The firm must consider a reasonable request, although necessary and proportionate contact may continue.
Option 3: Challenge the Debt #
Send a “Prove It” letter demanding:
- Any agreement copy required by an applicable Consumer Credit Act request
- Full statement of account
- Proof of legal assignment
If a valid sections 77–79 request applies, enforcement can be restricted while default continues. This does not erase the debt and compliance can occur later.
Option 4: Breathing Space #
If you’re struggling with multiple debts, you can apply for Breathing Space — a 60-day legal protection that stops most creditors (including Link Financial) from:
- Contacting you
- Adding interest or charges
- Taking enforcement action
Contact a debt advice charity like StepChange or Citizens Advice to apply, or read our Breathing Space guide.
Option 5: IVA or Trust Deed #
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) in England and Wales or a Protected Trust Deed in Scotland is a formal debt solution. The amount repaid or released is case-specific and depends on income, assets, fees, creditor decisions and successful completion; there is no reliable standard write-off percentage.
If the Link Financial debt is included in an approved IVA or protected Trust Deed, direct collection should normally stop in line with that arrangement. Excluded, secured and later debts are different.
A qualifying unsecured Link Financial debt may be included. Compare all suitable options with a regulated or free debt adviser before entering a formal arrangement.
Option 6: If the Debt Is Statute-Barred #
If limitation or prescription may apply, write without admitting liability and ask for the dates, judgment or decree and documents relied on. FCA restrictions are conditional, and a court claim still requires a timely response.
Link Financial Contact Details #
Registered office: Link Financial Outsourcing Limited 11 Belgrave Road London SW1V 1RB
Operational centre: Caerphilly, Wales
Website: linkfinancial.co.uk (verify current URL on their official communications)
Complaints: Write to the registered office marked “Complaints Department” — Attention: Complaints Manager
If unresolved after 8 weeks: Financial Ombudsman Service — phone 0800 023 4567
FCA register: Check FRN 606817 at register.fca.org.uk
CSA verification: Membership No. 321 at csa-uk.com
How to Complain About Link Financial #
If Link Financial has broken FCA rules (harassment, misrepresentation, refusing to honour letter-only contact), follow these steps:
Step 1: Complain Directly to Link Financial in Writing #
Send a formal complaint letter to:
Link Financial Outsourcing Limited 11 Belgrave Road London SW1V 1RB
Mark the envelope: Complaints Department
State clearly:
- Your name, address, and Link Financial account reference
- What Link did wrong (be specific: dates, times, what was said)
- How it affected you
- What you want them to do (e.g., stop contacting you, correct your credit file, compensate you)
Keep a copy of your letter and send it by recorded delivery.
Step 2: Financial Ombudsman Service (8 Weeks Later) #
If Link doesn’t respond within 8 weeks, or if you’re unhappy with their response, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
The FOS is a free, independent complaints service. They can order Link to:
- Pay you compensation (up to £430,000 for complaints made after 1 April 2024)
- Stop collection activity
- Correct your credit file
- Refund unfair charges
Contact the FOS at financial-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0800 023 4567.
Step 3: Report FCA Rule Breaches #
If Link has committed serious breaches (e.g., threatening violence, repeatedly contacting you after being told to stop, misrepresenting their powers), report them to the Financial Conduct Authority.
You can’t complain directly to the FCA about your individual case, but they track patterns of misconduct. If multiple people complain, the FCA may investigate Link Financial.
Report at fca.org.uk/consumers.
Step 4: Data Protection Issues #
If Link has mishandled your personal data (e.g., disclosed your debt to a third party, refused to provide information you requested under GDPR, contacted you after you withdrew consent), complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Report at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our debt-options calculator for an initial comparison; it cannot confirm eligibility, approval or a write-off amount.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Is Link Financial Outsourcing a real company? #
Yes. Link Financial Outsourcing Limited is a legitimate debt collection and purchasing company registered in England (company number 07059696). They’re authorised by the FCA (FRN 606817) and are members of the Credit Services Association (No. 321). You can verify this on the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk.
Can Link Financial send me to jail? #
No. Unsecured debt in the UK is a civil matter, not a criminal one. Link Financial cannot have you arrested or imprisoned for owing them money. The only exception is wilful refusal to pay a court fine (e.g., council tax liability order) — but even then, it’s the court that takes action, not Link Financial.
Will Link Financial repossess my home? #
Extremely unlikely for unsecured debt. Link Financial would need to:
- Take you to court and win a County Court Judgment
- Apply for a Charging Order to secure the debt against your property
- Apply for an Order for Sale to force you to sell your home
This is a last resort and rarely happens for typical consumer debts (credit cards, personal loans). Courts are reluctant to grant Orders for Sale, especially if you have dependents living in the property.
How do I stop Link Financial from calling? #
Ask Link in writing to use post or email and explain any vulnerability or accessibility need. It must have due regard to a reasonable request, although necessary and proportionate contact may continue. Use the current correspondence address on your letter and keep a copy.
Can Link Financial affect my credit score? #
Indirectly. Link Financial doesn’t report to credit agencies themselves. But the original creditor does. If you had defaults, missed payments, or a CCJ before the debt was sold to Link, those stay on your credit file for 6 years. Link may also apply for a CCJ against you if you don’t pay, which will appear on your credit report.
Why is Link Financial contacting me about an old debt? #
Link Financial buys and services portfolios that can include older accounts. Check the original creditor, assignment, account statement and whether limitation or prescription may apply. The account’s age alone does not determine enforceability, and existing judgments or different debt types can change the result.
Can I negotiate with Link Financial? #
Use the settlement checks earlier in this guide: there is no standard discount, and any agreement should be confirmed in writing before payment.
What happens if I ignore Link Financial? #
Ignoring them won’t make the debt disappear. If you ignore Link Financial:
- Persistent letters, calls, texts (until you request letter-only contact)
- Field agent home visit (but they’re not bailiffs)
- Return of your case to the original creditor or escalation to court proceedings
- County Court Judgment (CCJ) if they take legal action
- Potential bailiff enforcement (only after a CCJ)
- Your credit file worsens
If you can’t afford to pay, don’t ignore them — engage, explain your situation, explore options like repayment plans, Breathing Space, or an IVA.
Are Link Financial and Link Financial Management the same? #
Yes and no. They’re part of the same group, but the regulatory structure has changed. Link Financial Management was the previous entity with FRN 187100 and FRN 231863 (both no longer authorised). Link Financial Outsourcing Limited (FRN 606817) is the current authorised entity. If you received letters from Link Financial Management years ago, you’re now dealing with Link Financial Outsourcing Limited under the current regulatory structure.
Do Link Financial operate in France? #
Yes. Link Financial has a permanent operation in Nantes, France (since 2018) under the subsidiary Link Financial SAS. They contact French consumers about debts assigned from French banks and lenders. French law (Article 1322 Civil Code) requires a “notification of assignment” to be sent. If you’re in France and being contacted by Link Financial, the same consumer protections apply: request proof of assignment, challenge the debt, check if it’s time-barred.
Need help with multiple debts? If Link Financial is collecting one of several unaffordable debts, an approved IVA may stop direct action for an included qualifying debt. Use the IVA suitability check as a first step, then compare every suitable alternative.
For general debt help, including free advice services, visit our debt help page.