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Mutual aid businesses appeared in the early 1980's and rapidly developed, but there has been a great deal of consumer damage stemming from consumer payments made in advance, a trait of mutual aid businesses. In 2010, the 'Installment Transaction Act' was revised to prevent consumers from such damages and promote the healthy growth of businesses, subjecting mutual aid businesses to the Act. Many countermeasures, such as the mutual aid enterprise registration system, minimum capital requirement for establishment of mutual aid enterprises, introduction of a consumer indemnity insurance system, and arrangements for legal basis for establishment of mutual aid associations, have been legislated for consumer protection. Yet consumer distrust or cynical air in society still persists. Legislation providing consumer protection while pursuing development of mutual aid businesses is necessary. I believe legislation on mutual aid businesses is needed in the long term and consumer protection is needed in the short term as a supplement for further reinforcement of the current Installment Transaction Act. It is necessary to expand information offerings, extend the coverage of compensation for consumer damages, and create a balance between applicable laws and standardized agreements. It is desirable to introduce external accounting audits and a compulsory public notification system, in addition to the regulation of operation of assets, especially for financial soundness of mutual aid companies. Next, legislation for a management improvement order system under the Installment Transaction Act is required after observing the feasibility of comprehensive supervision over individual mutual aid companies.