Festival refunds are not guaranteed so know your rights, warns the Financial Ombudsman Service
4 June 2026
As festival season gets going, many consumers may not understand their rights to getting their money back if things go wrong.
The Financial Ombudsman Service announces that Abby Thomas, who joined in October 2022 as Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman, is stepping down.
Interim arrangements will apply with the Deputy Chief Ombudsman, James Dipple-Johnstone, covering the Chief Ombudsman role and the Chief Finance and Risk Officer, Jenny Simmonds, covering the Chief Executive role.
Baroness Manzoor CBE, Chairman of the Board, said:
On behalf of the Board and the Executive, I would like to record our thanks and wish Abby every success in her future career."
Abby Thomas, Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman, said:
It has been an absolute privilege to lead the Financial Ombudsman Service through this period of rapid transformation and innovation. I am immensely grateful to the entire Ombudsman team for everything that they do to support our customers and build confidence in the financial services industry."
4 June 2026
As festival season gets going, many consumers may not understand their rights to getting their money back if things go wrong.
21 May 2026
New complaints coming to the Financial Ombudsman Service have returned to more historical levels, following a previous year of significant increased demand.
19 May 2026
We are reminding holidaymakers to double-check their travel insurance ahead of the spring bank holiday getaway.