Financial Ombudsman Service

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The Financial Ombudsman Service ("FOA") is an independent organisation that helps to resolve individual disputes between consumers and financial firms. All retail financial firms regulated by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") such as banks, building societies and insurance companies are covered by the FOA's complaints procedure as well as some financial firms not covered regulated by the FSA. The activities regulated by the FSA include accepting deposits and providing or advising on investment products, mortgages and insurance policies. A small number of activities not regulated by the FSA are also covered such as loans and credit cards.

The FOA settles disputes without taking sides and considers each complaint on its own merits before making a fair and balanced decision. Although the FOA states that consumers do not need legal help to bring a complaint we would advise that such help should be sought. This is to ensure that your account of events is as succinct and substantive as possible so that the Ombudsman has all the necessary information in front of him/her in order to make the correct decision.

In order to bring a complaint a complaint form must be completed which is available from the FOA's website. As most complaints tend to involve substantial detail and complicated facts we advise that a separate document be attached to the complaint form that provides the necessary information required. We are able to draft the complaint form and the attached document on your behalf ensuring that all relevant points are covered as well as advising you what supporting documentation should be attached. Not only can we draft the necessary documentation for you we can also take the stress out of dealing with the FOA by corresponding on your behalf. If you therefore feel that you have been misinformed or feel aggrieved by the way in which a financial firm has handled your matters, we are able to assist and advise you from the outset of your complaint and through the decision making process.