FOS reassures advisers: Initial letter is not official complaint

Carmen Reichman
clock

Receiving a letter from the ombudsman saying a customer has made a complaint does not mean a case has been opened, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has advised.

In response to a query from a financial adviser, who had received a letter from the FOS saying a customer had made a complaint, the FOS clarified it did not open cases unless the complained about party has been informed of the gripe first. It also said it would only proceed to officially open cases - and start charging firms for the process - if the customer is unhappy with the firm's response. The FOS charges firms for the cost of investigating a claim regardless of the outcome. But it does not charge it for the first 25 claims brought against it in a year. It emerged in September...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Royal London launches targeted support ISA service

Royal London launches targeted support ISA service

Available to existing customers via its app

Sophia Panayi
clock 20 April 2026 • 2 min read
Risk Warnings Review to create 'meaningful shift' in advice communication

Risk Warnings Review to create 'meaningful shift' in advice communication

Will bolster adviser confidence to use social media platforms

Sophia Panayi
clock 16 April 2026 • 5 min read
Most advice firms not planning to implement targeted support - research

Most advice firms not planning to implement targeted support - research

Firms are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach

Sophia Panayi
clock 16 April 2026 • 3 min read