FOS lead ombudsman challenges 'myth' of consumer favouritism

Caroline Mitchell speaks out

Scott Sinclair
clock

Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) lead ombudsman Caroline Mitchell has challenged the 'myth' its adjudicators are pre-disposed to finding in favour of the consumer when settling advice complaints.

"More often than not we do support the adviser," Mitchell (pictured) told advisers at a conference examining alternative investments in London on Thursday. Mitchell reiterated the FOS receives few advice complaints, pointing out it had only 850-odd open complaints related to unregulated collective investment schemes (UCIS) or non-mainstream pooled investments (NMPI) recommendations. This is against a rate of more than 4,000 new PPI gripes it receives each week. Mitchell said clearly communicating risk - and recording that this has taken place - remained the most important thing adv...

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

FCA must be 'more ambitious' on redress modernisation plans - PIMFA

FCA must be 'more ambitious' on redress modernisation plans - PIMFA

Watchdog should reconsider role of FOS and consolidate CMC regulation

Jenna Brown
clock 30 January 2025 • 3 min read
FSCS moves forward with claims against troubled Donre Advisory

FSCS moves forward with claims against troubled Donre Advisory

London advice firm went into liquidation in July last year

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 January 2025 • 2 min read
FCA and lawyers settle illegal care home investment scheme lawsuit

FCA and lawyers settle illegal care home investment scheme lawsuit

Scheme saw £57m taken from 380 investors

Jen Frost
clock 27 January 2025 • 3 min read