The FCA Board has appointed Liam Coleman as chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service, with the approval of the Treasury.

Liam will take up the permanent role on 10 October 2026 for a 3-year term, having served as interim chair for the last year.

Ashley Alder, chair of the FCA, commented: 'Liam has brought strong leadership and valuable insight to the Financial Ombudsman Service over the past year. His extensive experience across financial services, regulation and public service organisations will be invaluable as we work together to support a redress system that is fair, predictable and effective for consumers and firms.'

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Coleman said: 'I am honoured to take on the permanent role as chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service. It plays a vital role in upholding fairness and trust in the financial system. I am pleased to be able to continue to work with the rest of the Board, the executive team, and our wider stakeholders.'

Liam is also group chair of London & Quadrant Housing Trust. He has extensive financial services and public-sector experience, including previous roles at the FCA, NHS Foundation Trust, Nationwide Building Society, Royal Bank of Scotland and Cooperative Bank.

Notes to editors

  • The FCA is required by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) to appoint the chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service, with the appointment being approved by the Treasury.
  • The Board of the Financial Ombudsman Service is responsible for ensuring that the service is properly resourced and able to carry out its work effectively and independently.
  • The Financial Ombudsman Service was set up to resolve complaints between financial businesses and their customers. It can help with most financial services – including banking, insurance, loans, mortgages, pensions and investments. From 1 April 2019, its remit was extended to cover complaints from larger small and medium sized businesses and about claims management companies.
  • The FCA and the Financial Ombudsman Service are working with the government to transform the UK’s redress system and the way in which the Ombudsman operates within it to deliver a service that is consistent, predictable and fair for both firms and consumers, now and in the future.
  • Find out more information about the FCA.
  • Find out more information about the Financial Ombudsman Service.