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 08 April 2026 • 1 min read
Data-driven or anecdotal? Examining FCA Consumer Duty board reports

Data-driven or anecdotal? Examining FCA Consumer Duty board reports

'Data is not a by-product of systems; it is a core governance asset'

Chris Davies
clock 27 March 2026 • 6 min read
FCA 'consistently behind the curve' on British Steel – Complaints Commissioner

FCA 'consistently behind the curve' on British Steel – Complaints Commissioner

Regulator hits back at Complaints Commissioner’s final report

Jenna Brown
clock 26 March 2026 • 3 min read