Financial Ombudsman Service

The Financial Ombudsman Service is the official independent expert in settling complaints between consumers and businesses providing financial services. 

Many complaints are caused by misunderstandings that the business can quickly put right, once you explain the problem.  Therefore, if you are unhappy with the service you have received from a business, it is important that you complain to them in the first instance. 

You should then give the business enough time to look into your complaint, eight weeks is usually a good amount of time.

If the complaint is still not resolved to your satisfaction, The Financial Ombudsman can help by contacting the business on your behalf and telling them about your complaint. 

The Ombudsman looks at complaints about most financial problems involving:

• banking;
• insurance;
• mortgages;
• credit cards and store cards;
• loans and credit;
• pensions;
• savings and investments;
• hire purchase and pawnbroking;
• money transfer;
• financial advice; and
• stocks, shares, unit trusts and bonds.
   

It is important that the business or company you think is responsible for a problem should have the chance to look into any complaint - before the ombudsman steps in and decides who is right or wrong.  
Visit the website for further information, or call during opening hours.