Financial Ombudsman talks about new Consumer Duty at ABI’s event

Ombudsman Leader, Constance Chinhengo, attended the ABI’s Webinar on 8 November on the Consumer Duty – From principle to practice: product value and customer communications. 

Constance spoke alongside Matt Brewis, Director of Insurance from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about what the new Duty means for the Financial Ombudsman Service and shared some of the ways we’re working with the regulator and stakeholders during the implementation period. 

Constance outlined three main points to attendees:

  • Our preparation, including that we’re working very closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) so that we have a consistent and complementary approach to the new Consumer Duty.
  • That we won’t apply the duty retrospectively – only applying it to complaints about acts or omissions occurring after the implementation period.
  • That we welcome continued engagement with stakeholders, trade bodies and businesses, and hope the new Consumer Duty will help to prevent unnecessary complaints by tackling unfairness at the source. 

You can find out more about the new Consumer Duty and how we’re preparing for it in our blog.

Latest news

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 

Financial Ombudsman Service sets out ambitious targets for resolving cases in 2026/27

13 January 2026

We have proposed ambitious targets for the next financial year, and would like to remind stakeholders that our consultation closes on 21 January 2026.

Press release Strategic plans and budget Consultations and responses

Read more