Morses Club PLC (LON:MCL) shares fell on Monday after it became the latest UK financial services company to be affected by the collapse of Wirecard.
The sub-prime lender announced that account balances relating to its U Account customers have been temporarily frozen.
The Financial Conduct Authority froze the operations of Wirecard Card Solutions, Wirecard's UK operation, which is the card issuer and banking partner for Morses digital current account business.
READ: Wirecard files for bankruptcy over threat of insolvency and over-indebtedness
Paul Smith, chief executive of Morses Club, said, “We understand the frustration and distress that the requirements imposed on Wirecard UK by the FCA are causing our customers.
“We are in regular contact with the FCA and Wirecard UK to understand the situation and find a swift resolution for our U Account customers. While our customers’ money is not at risk, we understand the difficulty this temporary suspension is causing our customers and we are working tirelessly to find a solution.”
Last week UK fintech ANNA said it had temporarily suspended customer cards and accounts, with card provider Curve also disrupted by the German payment company’s demise.
UK regulator the Financial Conduct Authority said safeguarding rules would protect and return customer money if firm fails.
Wirecard is continuing its business activities despite filing for insolvency, the Wall Street Journal has reported.
Germany insolvency administrators can continue running the business as long as there is potential for a buyer to swoop in for the collapsed operations.
Wirecard filed for insolvency last Thursday, a week after revealing that auditors EY were refusing to sign off on the company’s accounts over a missing €1.9bn.
There were reports that Wirecard’s UK business will appoint an administrator later on Monday.
End game for Wirecard’s UK business: I’m told that Alvarez and Marsal will today be appointed as administrator, days after its parent company filed for insolvency.
— Sabah Meddings (@sabahmeddings) June 29, 2020