Following consultation, the FCA has confirmed that our award limits are increasing. Our award limit is the maximum amount we can require financial services firms to pay when we uphold complaints.

From 1 April 2019 our current award limit of £150,000 will change to:

  • £350,000 for complaints about acts or omissions by firms on or after 1 April 2019
  • £160,000 for complaints about acts or omissions by firms before 1 April 2019, and which are referred to our service after that date

And from 1 April 2020 onwards, both award limits will be automatically adjusted each year in line with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).

For any complaints referred to us before 1 April 2019, the limits will remain at £150,000. We will be updating the guidance on our website to reflect these changes. The FCA’s recent policy statement on increasing our award limit sets out the full detail of the change.

For further enquiries:

Latest news

Financial Ombudsman Service warns people to be on high alert for online investment and employment scams

19 February 2026

We are urging people to remain vigilant for scams, as fraudsters increasingly target those looking to improve their financial situation through online opportunities.

Press release Fraud and scams

Read more 

Financial Ombudsman Service sees lowest complaint levels in two years

5 February 2026

New cases coming to us have returned to complaint volumes last seen in 2023/24.

Press release Q3 complaints data Data and Insight

Read more 

Don’t get caught out by financial pitfalls

26 January 2026

As students return to university after Christmas, we are urging them to be aware of financial pitfalls and make informed choices.

Press release

Read more