FCA proposes to increase FOS limit from £150,000 to £350,000

From 1 April 2019

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) would be able to force firms to pay up to £350,000 to complainants under new proposals drawn up by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The regulator said its CP18/31 proposals - which would more than double the amount the ombudsman could make firms compensate people - would be fairer for customers.  According to the FCA, the Ombudsman upholds some 2,000 complaints each year that result in a 'fair compensation' recommendation of more than the current £150,000 limit. While the Ombudsman can force firms to pay compensation of up to £150,000, it can recommend firms pay more to the complainant if it believes that is appropriate. Any amounts above the limit are voluntary for the firm, however. Once a complainant accepts...