Megan Brooks
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) is an independent lending company based in Burnley, England. It was founded by local businessman Dave Fishwick in 2011. The company has received media attention since it first opened, with a Channel 4 series called Bank of Dave documenting its creation. The series follows Fishwick's efforts to establish a community bank to help local businesses in Burnley. In the series, Fishwick also calls for Parliament to reform the banking system. BSAL has applied to become a UK-regulated bank called The Bank of Dave, intending to offer an expanded range of products to a wider audience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the bank | Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) |
| Founder | Dave Fishwick |
| Location | 30 Keirby Walk, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 2DE |
| Year of founding | 2011 |
| Type of company | independent lending company |
| Type of services | acts as a credit broker and a lender |
| Media attention | Gained media attention after Fishwick's early efforts were captured in a series for Channel 4 in 2012 |
| Film adaptation | Bank of Dave (2023) and Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger (2025) |
| Bank status | Applying to become a UK-regulated bank |
| Bank name | "The Bank of Dave" |
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What You'll Learn
Burnley Savings and Loans was founded by Dave Fishwick in 2011
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) was founded by Dave Fishwick in 2011. It is an independent lending company based in Burnley, England. Fishwick, a local businessman, started the company after noticing that people were finding it challenging to obtain loans from traditional high street banks, especially during the 2008 financial crisis. He wanted to return to the basic model of old-fashioned local banking, offering a personal service and dealing with each customer on a case-by-case basis.
The company gained media attention, and in 2012, a Channel 4 series called "Bank of Dave" documented the creation of BSAL and its early days serving the public. The series showcased Fishwick's call for Parliament to reform the banking system, which received support from politicians and the public. Following the series, Fishwick continued his lobbying efforts, releasing a book titled "Bank of Dave: How I Took On the Banks" in 2013.
BSAL operates as a credit broker and a lender, introducing customers to a limited number of lenders who can offer finance facilities for their purchases. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 717019). BSAL has also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by partnering with the Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) to better identify and support vulnerable customers.
In 2017, BSAL applied to become a UK-regulated bank, aiming to expand its range of products and reach a wider audience. The company has not yet obtained a banking licence, but it continues to operate as a lending company under the slogan "Bank on Dave!". The story of BSAL and Fishwick's efforts to establish a community bank inspired a film called "Bank of Dave," released in 2023, and its sequel, "Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger," released in 2025.
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The company is based in Burnley, Lancashire
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) is an independent lending company based in Burnley, Lancashire. It was founded by local businessman Dave Fishwick in 2011. Fishwick, who was born in Lancashire, left school at 16 with no qualifications. He went on to open David Fishwick Minibus Sales, becoming the biggest minibus supplier in Britain.
BSAL was created in response to the 2008 financial crisis, which saw traditional high street banks lend less money to people and small businesses. Fishwick wanted to return to the basic model of old-fashioned local banking, offering a personal service and dealing with customers on a case-by-case basis. The company acts as a credit broker and a lender, introducing customers to a limited number of lenders who may be able to offer finance facilities for their purchases.
BSAL gained media attention after Fishwick's early efforts were captured in a series for Channel 4 in 2012, including his call for Parliament to reform the banking system. A film based on Fishwick's efforts, titled "Bank of Dave", was released on Netflix in 2023, with a sequel in 2025. The film fictionalises the forming of BSAL and its quest to become a regulated bank, "The Bank of Dave".
BSAL has continued to grow since its early days. The company has expanded its team and now occupies a suite of offices on Burnley's high street. In 2017, BSAL applied to become a UK-regulated bank, offering an expanded range of products to a wider audience. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is committed to acting in the best interests of its customers.
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It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) is an independent lending company based in Burnley, England. It was founded by Dave Fishwick, a local businessman, in 2011. The company has received media attention since it first opened, with a Channel 4 series called "Bank of Dave" documenting its creation. The series followed Fishwick's efforts to open the company and his call for Parliament to reform the banking system. The company uses the advertising slogan "Bank on Dave".
Burnley Savings and Loans is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means that the company has met the FCA's stringent requirements for operating in the financial industry. The FCA is the conduct regulator for financial services firms and financial markets in the UK. It is responsible for protecting consumers, maintaining market integrity, and promoting competition in the financial sector.
By being authorised and regulated by the FCA, Burnley Savings and Loans must adhere to strict rules and regulations that govern its business practices. These regulations cover a range of areas, including how the company handles customer complaints, the disclosure of information, and the fair treatment of customers. The FCA also sets standards for the company's financial products and services, ensuring that they are sold appropriately and meet the needs of consumers.
As a credit broker and lender, Burnley Savings and Loans can introduce customers to a limited number of lenders who may offer finance facilities for their purchases. The company receives a commission payment from the finance provider if a customer enters into an agreement with one of these lenders. Burnley Savings and Loans is required to provide customers with transparency and disclose any commission payments received.
The FCA authorisation provides assurance to customers that Burnley Savings and Loans is operating within a regulatory framework. Customers can have confidence in the company's financial products and services, knowing that they are dealing with a regulated entity. This authorisation also allows the company to expand its range of products and services, providing more options to its customers.
In addition to FCA authorisation, Burnley Savings and Loans has also partnered with the Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS). This partnership enables the company to identify vulnerable customers and adapt its approach to better serve their needs. By considering factors such as dyslexia, poor numeracy, physical disabilities, and mental health issues, Burnley Savings and Loans can communicate and interact with vulnerable customers more effectively.
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Burnley Savings and Loans offers vehicle loans and finance
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) is an independent lending company based in Burnley, England. It was founded by local businessman Dave Fishwick in 2011. The company has received media attention since it first opened, with a Channel 4 series called *Bank of Dave* documenting its creation. The series also captured Fishwick's call for Parliament to reform the banking system.
BSAL offers vehicle loans and finance, with rates from 7.9% APR depending on individual circumstances. The company acts as a credit broker and a lender, introducing customers to a limited number of lenders who may be able to offer finance facilities for their vehicle purchase. As the finance is not secured on the vehicle, customers own the vehicle once purchased and can sell it at any time without having to pay the finance in full. BSAL offers flexible terms that may allow customers to finance the vehicle over a longer period than leasing or PCP.
The interest rate offered by BSAL is determined by several factors, including the age of the vehicle, the amount borrowed, and the terms of the agreement. BSAL provides customers with a written breakdown of any commission paid by the lender prior to the signing of the credit agreement.
BSAL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 717019). The company has applied to become a UK-regulated bank, "The Bank of Dave", offering an expanded range of products to a wider audience.
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The company has received media attention since its opening
Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL) has received media attention since it first opened in 2011. In July 2012, the Channel 4 series 'Bank of Dave' was broadcast in the UK and was later aired worldwide. It followed the creation of the scheme as it opened its doors to the public. The series also captured Fishwick's call for Parliament to reform the banking system. A follow-up episode, 'Bank of Dave: Fighting the Fat Cats', was shown in February 2013 and won a Scottish BAFTA.
Dave Fishwick, the founder of BSAL, has also written a book, 'Bank of Dave: How I Took On the Banks', which was released in 2013. The book describes Fishwick's venture and his efforts in setting up BSAL.
In January 2023, a film called 'Bank of Dave' was released on Netflix. The film is a British biographical comedy-drama starring Rory Kinnear and is based on the real-life experiences of Dave Fishwick. A sequel, 'Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger', was released in January 2025 and is loosely based on Fishwick's experiences with the industry.
The media attention has not just been limited to BSAL and Fishwick's book and film adaptations. In 2014, Fishwick investigated the payday loan industry for the Channel 4 series 'Dave: Loan Ranger'. In 2015, he presented 'Can Property Pay Your Wages', advising the public on how to make money through property investment. Fishwick has also co-presented 'Shoppers Guide to Saving Money' and appeared in documentaries such as 'Dave's Guide to Spending', where he explored supply-chain costs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the official name of the company is Burnley Savings and Loans (BSAL). The company was founded by Dave Fishwick and uses the advertising slogan "Bank on Dave".
Dave Fishwick started BSAL because he noticed that people were finding it difficult to obtain loans from high-street banks. He wanted to help the community and return to the basic model of old-fashioned local banking.
No, Burnley Savings and Loans is an independent lending company. However, in 2017, BSAL applied to become a UK-regulated bank, "The Bank of Dave".
Burnley Savings and Loans is located at 30 Keirby Walk, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 2DE.
Yes, there is a film called "Bank of Dave" starring Rory Kinnear. The film is based on the real-life experiences of Dave Fishwick and his efforts to set up a community bank in Burnley.
