From the consumer impacts we observe that poorly constructed incentives have played a part, (and we suspect, have driven), inappropriate sales practices. Financial Rights, Consumer Action and Good Shepherd Microfinance take the view that product sales commissions and product based payments inevitably distort sales-staff behaviour, placing the imperative to make a sale above considerations of appropriateness for the consumer. We are sufficiently convinced of the negative outcomes of commission driven sales to contest the value of retaining such incentives, and believe that a major cultural shift in banking practice is necessary for the public good.
