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

Failed financial advice firms tracker

Failed financial advice firms tracker

Firms that the FSCS has confirmed as failed since the start of 2023

Professional Adviser
clock 14 July 2026 • 1 min read
The Mills Review: AI innovation must be matched by AI governance

The Mills Review: AI innovation must be matched by AI governance

As AI becomes embedded in FS governance can no longer be treated as an afterthought

Chris Davies
clock 13 July 2026 • 4 min read
FCA moves to remove 'co-manufacturing' label in latest consultation

FCA moves to remove 'co-manufacturing' label in latest consultation

‘Firms would be either a principal or secondary manufacturer’

Jenna Brown
clock 29 June 2026 • 4 min read