Financial Ombudsman Service
OmbudsmanThe Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses, including banks and insurance companies. It is a free, independent service that handles complaints the company has failed to resolve.
What does Financial Ombudsman Service do?
The Financial Ombudsman investigates complaints about banks, insurers, and other financial firms. Their decisions are binding on the company — if the Ombudsman rules in your favour, the firm must comply. The service is free and you can still go to court if you disagree with the outcome.
Sectors covered
When can you use the Financial Ombudsman Service?
- 1. Complain to the company first and give them a chance to resolve it.
- 2. Wait 8 weeks from your original complaint, or until the company sends a "deadlock letter" saying they can't resolve it.
- 3. Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service — the service is free and their decision is binding on the company.