FOS leadership changes show reforms 'are serious'

2026 will be a ‘year of material change’ at the Ombudsman

Isabel Baxter
clock • 3 min read

Recent leadership changes at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) show that the reforms that it is undergoing are serious, delegates at an adviser conference heard.

Speaking at the Schroders Adviser Forum today (21 January), Schroders head of public policy Richard Fox highlighted recent changes at the FOS and argued that 2026 will be a "year of material change" at the Ombudsman. Last year the FOS underwent significant changes in its leadership, with the latest being Liam Coleman appointed as interim chair in October succeeding Baroness Zahida Manzoor CBE who stepped down after two terms in post. Manzoor's exit came soon after former FOS CEO Abby Thomas suddenly exited the organisation.  "Leadership change at the FOS shows these reforms are ser...

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