Half of advisers label FOS 'unfair'

clock • 2 min read

Almost half of advisers believe the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is unfair when adjudicating on advice cases, research suggests.

An exclusive poll of 100 advisers found 24% believed the Ombudsman was ‘extremely unfair' on advisers while a similar proportion (23%) deemed the service to be ‘unfair'. Almost one-fifth (19%) said they felt the FOS was fair, while 31% declared ‘no view', which was perhaps influenced by the number of respondents who said they had not seen a complaint referred to the Ombudsman. Just 3% indicated they felt the FOS was ‘extremely fair'. Meanwhile, 45% suggested they did not feel the FOS reached verdicts based on the regulatory rules at the time, but rather set its own agenda. The ...

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's targeted support rules set to take effect from April 2026

FCA's targeted support rules set to take effect from April 2026

Regulator plans to open application gateway for firms in March

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 December 2025 • 5 min read
FCA sets out plans to simplify complaints regime

FCA sets out plans to simplify complaints regime

Including requirement for firms to report complaints involving vulnerable clients

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 December 2025 • 2 min read
FCA looks to boost transparency of ESG ratings providers

FCA looks to boost transparency of ESG ratings providers

Regulator opens consultation

Michael Nelson
clock 01 December 2025 • 2 min read