Related provisions for DISP App 3.3.1

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DISP 1.1.1GRP
638This chapter contains rules and guidance on how respondents should deal promptly and fairly with complaints in respect of business carried on from establishments in the United Kingdom,11 by certain branches of firms in the EEA or by certain EEA firms carrying out activities in the United Kingdom under the freedom to provide cross border services.11 It is also relevant to those who may wish to make a complaint or refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.1.3RRP
(1) Subject to DISP 1.1.5 R, this15 chapter applies to a firm in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its appointed representative in the United Kingdom.15(2) For complaints relating to the MiFID business of a firm, the complaints handling rules and the complaints record rule:(a) apply to complaints from retail clients and do not apply to complaints from eligible complainants who are not retail
DISP 1.1.5RRP
This chapter does not apply to:(1) [deleted]739739(2) [deleted]1414(3) an authorised professional firm in respect of expressions of dissatisfaction about its non-mainstream regulated activities; 1516(4) complaints in respect of auction regulation bidding;1615(5) a full-scope UK AIFM, small authorised UK AIFM or an incoming EEA AIFM, for complaints concerning AIFM management functions carried on for a closed-ended corporate AIF; and16(6) a depositary, for complaints concerning
DISP 1.1.5ARRP
14The complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules do not apply to a credit union.
DISP 1.1.6AGRP
14In relation to a credit union, the nature, scale and complexity of the credit union's business should be taken into account when deciding the appropriate procedures to put in place for dealing with complaints.
DISP 1.1.7RRP
This chapter applies to the Society, members of the Society and managing agents, subject to the Lloyd's complaint rules.
DISP 1.1.8RRP
An insurance intermediary, that is not also an insurer, must have in place and operate appropriate and effective procedures for registering and responding to complaints from a person who is not an eligible complainant.[Note: article 10 of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
DISP 1.1.9AGRP
10The scope of this sourcebook does not include:(1) a complaint about pre-commencement investment business which was regulated by a recognised professional body (those complaints will be handled under the arrangements of that professional body); or(2) a complaint about the administration of an occupational pension scheme, because this is not a regulated activity (firms should refer complainants to the Pensions Advisory Service rather than to the Financial Ombudsman Service).
DISP 1.1.10RRP
In relation to a firm's obligations under this chapter, references to a complaint also include an expression of dissatisfaction which is capable of becoming a relevant new complaint,1741 a relevant transitional complaint or a relevant new credit-related complaint.174121741
DISP 1.1.10ARRP
8This chapter (except the complaints record rule,9 the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules9) applies to payment service providers in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its agent in the United Kingdom.9
DISP 1.1.10CRRP
1340This chapter (except the complaints record rule, the complaints reporting rules, and the complaints data publication rules) applies to electronic money issuers in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its agent in the United Kingdom.
DISP 1.1.10ERRP
11For complaints related to collective portfolio management services of a UK UCITS management company for a UCITS scheme or an EEA UCITS scheme, DISP 1.1.3R (1) applies, except where modified as follows:(1) the consumer awareness rules, complaints handling rules and complaints record rule apply in respect of complaints from Unitholders rather than from eligible complainants; and(2) the consumer awareness rules, the complaints handling rules and the complaints record rule, as modified
DISP 1.1.10FRRP
For complaints related to collective portfolio management services of an EEA UCITS management company for a UCITS scheme, DISP 1.1.3R (1) applies, except where modified as follows:(1) where the services are provided from a branch in the United Kingdom, the consumer awareness rules, complaints handling rules and complaints record rule apply in respect of complaints from Unitholders rather than from eligible complainants; and(2) this chapter, except the consumer awareness rules,
DISP 1.1.10GRRP
This chapter (except the complaints record rule, the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules) applies to CBTL firms in respect of complaints from eligible complainants19concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained in the United Kingdom.1918
DISP 1.1.10IRRP
20This chapter (except the complaints record rule, the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules) applies to a designated credit reference agency in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its agent in the United Kingdom.
DISP 1.1.11RRP
Where the subject matter of a complaint is subject to a review directly or indirectly under the terms of the policy statement for the review of specific categories of FSAVC business issued by the FSA on 28 February 2000, the complaints resolution rules, the complaints time limit rules, the complaints record rule,9 the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules9 will apply only if the complaint is about the outcome of the review.9
DISP 1.1.11ARRP
12Where the subject matter of a complaint falls to be dealt with (or has properly been dealt with) under a consumer redress scheme, the complaints resolution rules, the complaints time limits rules, the complaints record rule and the complaints reporting rules do not apply.
DISP 1.1.12RRP
(1) A firm, payment service provider20, electronic money issuer1340 or designated credit reference agency20 falling within the Compulsory Jurisdiction which does not conduct business with eligible complainants and has no reasonable likelihood of doing so, can, by written notification to the FCA , claim exemption from the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service, and from the remainder of this chapter.13408(2) Notwithstanding (1):11(a) the complaints handling
DISP 1.1.15RRP
This chapter (except the complaints record rule,9 the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules)9 applies to VJ participants for complaints from eligible complainants as part of the standard terms.9
DISP 1.1.16GRP
Although VJ participants are not required to comply with the complaints record rule, it is in their interest to retain records of complaints so that these can be used to assist the Financial Ombudsman Service should it be necessary.1741
DISP 1.1.19GRP
(1) This chapter does not prevent:(a) the use by a respondent of a third party administrator to handle or resolve complaints (or both); or(b) two or more respondents arranging a one-stop shop for handling or resolving complaints (or both) under a service level agreement.(2) These arrangements do not affect respondents' obligations as set out in DISP or the provisions relating to outsourcing by a firm set out in SYSC 8 and SYSC 13.
DISP 1.11.3RRP
The Society must take reasonable steps to ensure that complaints by policyholders against members of the Society are dealt with under the Lloyd's complaint procedures and that members comply with the requirements of those procedures.
DISP 1.11.4RRP
A complaint by a policyholder against a member of the Society may not be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service until after the Lloyd's complaint procedures have been completed or until after the end of eight weeks from receipt of the complaint, whichever is the earlier.
DISP 1.11.6RRP
The report to be sent to the FCA under the complaints reporting rules must be provided by the Society and must cover all complaints by policyholders against members falling within the scope of the complaints reporting rules.
DISP 1.11.6BRRP
1The Society must publish the complaints data summary in the format set out in the complaints publication form in DISP 1 Annex 1B R omitting details as to the firms and brands/trading names covered by the summary.
DISP 1.11.6CRRP
1The deadlines for publication of the Society's complaints data summaries are:(1) 28 February for the summary of its report relating to the reporting period ending on 31 December of the previous year; and(2) 31 August for the summary of its report relating to the reporting period ending on 30 June of the same year.
DISP 1.11.6DRRP
1The Society must immediately confirm to the FCA, in an email submitted to complaintsdatasummary@fca.org.uk, that the complaints data summary accurately reflects the report submitted to the FCA, that the summary has been published and where it has been published.
DISP 1.11.6EGRP
1The Society may choose how it publishes the complaints data summary. However, the complaints data summary should be readily available. For this reason, the FCA recommends that the Society publishes the summary on its website. The Society may publish further information with the complaints data summary to aid understanding.
DISP 1.11.9GRP
Members will individually comply with this chapter if and only if all complaints by policyholders against members are dealt with under the Lloyd's complaints procedures. Accordingly, certain of the obligations under this chapter, for example the obligation to report on complaints received and the obligation to pay fees under the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FEES 5), must be complied with by the Society on behalf of members. Managing agents
DISP 1.11.11GRP
Complaints from members of the Society regarding the activities of members' advisers, which cannot be resolved by the members' adviser, cannot be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.11.12GRP
The Financial Ombudsman Service is not able to deal with the complaints listed in DISP 1.11.13 R and separate rules and guidance are therefore required.
DISP 1.11.18GRP
An individual member or former member who was an individual member should not have access to the schemes referred to in DISP 1.11.13 R unless the complaints arrangements maintained by the Society have failed to resolve the complaint to his satisfaction within eight weeks of receiving it.
DISP 1.6.1RRP
On receipt of a complaint, a respondent must:(1) send the complainant a prompt written acknowledgement providing early reassurance that it has received the complaint and is dealing with it; and(2) ensure the complainant is kept informed thereafter of the progress of the measures being taken for the complaint's resolution.
DISP 1.6.2RRP
The respondent must, by the end of eight weeks after its receipt of the complaint, send the complainant:(1) a 'final response', being a written response from the respondent which:3939(a) accepts the complaint and, where appropriate, offers redress or remedial action; or(b) offers redress or remedial action without accepting the complaint; or(c) rejects the complaint and gives reasons for doing so;and which:(d) encloses a copy of the Financial Ombudsman Service's standard explanatory
DISP 1.6.4RRP
DISP 1.6.2 R does not apply if the complainant has already indicated in writing acceptance of a response by the respondent, provided that the response:28(1) informed the complainant how to pursue his complaint with the respondent if he remains dissatisfied; 28410(2) referred to the ultimate availability of the Financial Ombudsman Service if he remains dissatisfied with the respondent's response;28(3) enclosed a copy of the Financial Ombudsman Service standard explanatory leaflet;410(4)
DISP 1.6.6AGRP
28The information regarding the Financial Ombudsman Service required to be provided in responses sent under the complaints time limit rules (DISP 1.6.2 R and DISP 1.6.4 R)39 should be set out clearly, comprehensibly, in an easily accessible way and 410prominently within the text of those responses.39[Note: article 13 of the ADR Directive]410
DISP 1.6.7GRP
It is expected that within eight weeks of their receipt, almost all complaints to a respondent will have been substantively addressed by it through a final response or response as described in DISP 1.6.4 R.39
DISP 1.6.8GRP
When assessing a respondent's response to a complaint, the FCA may have regard to a number of factors, including, the quality of response, as against the complaints resolution rules, as well as the speed with which it was made.
DISP 2.3.1RRP
7The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a firm in carrying on one or more of the following activities:(1) regulated activities (other than auction regulation bidding );10(1A) payment services;7(1B) [deleted]1312(1C) CBTL business;14(2) [deleted]11321132(3) lending money secured by a charge on land;(4) lending money (excluding restricted credit where that is not a credit-related regulated activity1132 );1132(5)
DISP 2.3.2GRP
The Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction:630630(1) as a result of the Ombudsman Transitional Order, a relevant existing complaint or a relevant new complaint that relates to an act or omission by a firm or an unauthorised person which was subject to a former scheme immediately before commencement; or(2) as a result of the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order, a relevant transitional complaint that relates to an act or omission
DISP 2.3.2-AGRP
1132In accordance with article 11 of the Regulated Activities Amendment Order, the Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction:(1) a relevant existing credit-related complaint referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service before 1 April 2014 which was formerly being dealt with under the Consumer Credit Jurisdiction; and(2) a relevant new credit-related complaint referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service on or after 1 April 2014 which relates to an act or omission
DISP 2.3.2ARRP
7The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a payment service provider in carrying on:(1) payment services; or(2) credit-related regulated activities;11321132or any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the payment service provider in connection with them.
DISP 2.3.2BRRP
931The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by an electronic money issuer in carrying on:(1) issuance of electronic money; or(2) credit-related regulated activities;11321132or any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the electronic money issuer in connection with them.
DISP 2.3.2BARRP
The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a CBTL firm in carrying on CBTL business or any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the CBTL firm in connection with its CBTL business.14
DISP 2.3.2CGRP
8As a result of section 404B(11) of the Act, the Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction a complaint from a complainant who:(1) is not satisfied with a redress determination made by a respondent under a consumer redress scheme; or(2) considers that a respondent has failed to make a redress determination in accordance with a consumer redress scheme.
DISP 2.3.2DRRP
15The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a designated credit reference agency in carrying on: (1) the activity of providing credit information under the Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations; or (2) any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the designated credit reference agency in connection with the activity in (1).
DISP 2.3.3GRP
Complaints about acts or omissions include those7 in respect of activities for which the firm,931payment service provider7, 14electronic money issuer,15CBTL firm14or designated credit reference agency15 is responsible (including business of any appointed representative or agent7 for which the firm,931payment institution,15electronic money institution or designated credit reference agency15 has accepted responsibility).63077149317931
DISP 2.3.4RRP
A complaint about an authorisedprofessional firm cannot be handled under the Compulsory Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service if it relates solely to a non-mainstream regulated activity and can be handled by a designated professional body.630
DISP 2.3.5GRP
7The Compulsory Jurisdiction includes complaints about the UK end of 'one leg' payment services transactions, i.e. services provided from UK establishments that also involve a payment service provider located outside the EEA. The Compulsory Jurisdiction also includes complaints about payment services irrespective of the currency of the transaction.
DISP 3.2.1RRP
The Ombudsman will have regard to whether a complaint is out of jurisdiction.26
DISP 3.2.2RRP
Unless the respondent has already had eight weeks to consider the complaint or issued a final response, the Ombudsman will refer the complaint to the respondent (except where DISP 2.8.1R(4) applies).8268
DISP 3.2.2ARRP
7If the subject matter of a complaint falls to be dealt with by the respondent under a consumer redress scheme, and the time limits specified under the scheme for doing so have not yet expired, the Ombudsman will refer it to the respondent to be dealt with under the scheme (except where DISP 2.8.1R(4) applies).88
DISP 3.2.3RRP
Where the respondent alleges that the complaint is out of jurisdiction, the Ombudsman will give both parties an opportunity to make representations before he decides.2615151526
DISP 3.2.4RRP
Where the Ombudsman considers that the complaint may be out of jurisdiction, he will give the complainant an opportunity to make representations before he decides.2626
DISP 3.2.5RRP
Where the Ombudsman then decides that the complaint is out of jurisdiction, he will give reasons for that decision to the complainant and inform the respondent.2626
DISP 3.2.6RRP
Where the Ombudsman then decides that the complaint is not out of jurisdiction, he will inform the complainant and give reasons for that decision to the respondent.26
DISP 1.10A.2RRP
The complaints data summary required by DISP 1.10A.1 R must be published in the format set out in DISP 1 Annex 1B R.
DISP 1.10A.3RRP
(1) Where the firm's relevant reporting period (as defined in DISP 1.10.4 R or DISP 1.10.4A R as the case may be27) ends between 1 January and 30 June, the firm must publish the complaints data summary no later than 31 August of the same year.(2) Where the firm's relevant reporting period (as defined in DISP 1.10.4 R or DISP 1.10.4A R as the case may be27) ends between 1 July and 31 December, the firm must publish the complaints data summary no later than 28 February of the following
DISP 1.10A.4RRP
A firm must immediately confirm to the FCA , in an email submitted to complaintsdatasummary@fca.org.uk , that the complaints data summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 accurately reflects the report submitted to the FCA , that the summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 has been published and where it has been published.
DISP 1.10A.5ERP
A firm will be taken to have complied with DISP 1.10A.1R (1), DISP 1.10A.1R (1A)27(2) , DISP 1.10A.1R (3) or DISP 1.10A.1R (4)27 if within the relevant time limit set out in DISP 1.10A.3 R the firm:27(1) ensures that another person publishes the complaints data summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 on its behalf; and(2) publishes details of where this summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 is published.
DISP 1.10A.6RRP
Any firm covered by a joint report, other than the firm that submitted the joint report, must provide details of where the complaints data summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 is published to any person who requests them.
DISP 1.10A.7GRP
Firms may choose how they publish the complaints data summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27. However, the summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 should be readily available. For this reason, the FCA recommends that firms should publish the summary or total number of complaints (as appropriate)27 on their websites.
DISP 1.10A.9GRP
27In DISP 1.10A, references to revenue in relation to any firm do not include the amount of any repayment of any credit provided by that firm as lender.
DISP 3.7.1RRP
Where a complaint is determined in favour of the complainant, the Ombudsman's determination may include one or more of the following:17(1) a money award against the respondent; or1717(2) an interest award against the respondent; or1717(3) a costs award against the respondent; or1717(4) a direction to the respondent.17
DISP 3.7.2RRP
Except in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a9 money award may be such amount as the Ombudsman considers to be fair compensation for one or more of the following:9(1) financial loss (including consequential or prospective loss); or(2) pain and suffering; or(3) damage to reputation; or(4) distress or inconvenience;whether or not a court would award compensation.17
DISP 3.7.2AGRP
9In relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a money award is a payment of such amount as the Ombudsman determines that a respondent should make (or should have made) to a complainant under the scheme.
DISP 3.7.3GRP
17Where the Ombudsman is determining what amount (if any) constitutes fair compensation as a money award in relation to a relevant new complaint or a relevant transitional complaint, the Ombudsman Transitional Order and the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order require him to take into account what amount (if any) might have been expected to be awarded by way of compensation in relation to an equivalent complaint dealt with under the former scheme in question
DISP 3.7.6GRP
17If the Ombudsman considers that fair compensation requires payment of a larger amount, he may recommend that the respondent pays the complainant the balance. The effect of section 404B(6) of the Act is that this is also the case in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act.109
DISP 3.7.8RRP
17 Except in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, an9 interest award may provide for the amount payable under the money award to bear interest at a rate and as from a date specified in the award.9
DISP 3.7.9RRP
17A costs award may:(1) be such amount as the Ombudsman considers to be fair, to cover some or all of the costs which were reasonably incurred by the complainant in respect of the complaint; and(2) include interest on that amount at a rate and as from a date specified in the award.
DISP 3.7.10GRP
17In most cases complainants should not need to have professional advisers to bring complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, so awards of costs are unlikely to be common.
DISP 3.7.11RRP
17 Except in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a9 direction may require the respondent9 to take such steps in relation to the complainant as the Ombudsman considers just and appropriate (whether or not a court could order those steps to be taken).99
DISP 3.7.11AGRP
9In relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a direction may require the respondent to take such action as the Ombudsman determines the respondent should take (or should have taken) under the scheme.
DISP 1.5.1RRP
The following rules do not apply to a complaint that is resolved by a respondent by close of business on the business day following its receipt:(1) the complaints time limit rules; (2) the complaints forwarding rules; (3) the complaints reporting rules;6(4) the complaints record rule, if the complaint does not relate to MiFID business or collective portfolio management services for a UCITS scheme or an EEA UCITS scheme7; and6(5) the complaints data publication rules.6
DISP 1.5.2GRP
Complaints falling within this section are still subject to the complaint resolution rules.
DISP 2.8.1RRP
19The Ombudsman can only consider a complaint if:(1) the respondent has already sent the complainant its final response ; or(2) eight weeks have elapsed since the respondent received the complaint; or3(3) in relation to a complaint the subject matter of which falls to be dealt with (or has properly been dealt with) under a consumer redress scheme:3(a) the respondent has already sent the complainant its redress determination under the scheme; or3(b) the respondent has failed to
DISP 2.8.2RRP
19The Ombudsman cannot consider a complaint if the complainant refers it to the Financial Ombudsman Service:(1) more than six months after the date on which the respondent sent the complainant its final response or redress determination or summary resolution communication; or3(2) more than: (a) six years after the event complained of; or (if later)(b) three years from the date on which the complainant became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) that he had cause for
DISP 2.8.2ARRP
411If a respondent consents to the Ombudsman considering a complaint in accordance with DISP 2.8.2 R (5), the respondent may not withdraw consent.
DISP 2.8.3GRP
19The six-month time limit is only triggered by a response which is a final response orredress determination . The response 411must tell the complainant about the six-month time limit that the complainant has to refer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.411411
DISP 2.8.4GRP
19An example of exceptional circumstances might be where the complainant has been or is incapacitated.
DISP 2.8.5RRP
19The six-year and the three-year time limits do not apply where:(1) [deleted]33(2) the complaint concerns a contract or policy which is the subject of a review directly or indirectly under:(a) the terms of the Statement of Policy on 'Pension transfers and Opt-outs' issued by the FSA on 25 October 1994; or(b) the terms of the policy statement for the review of specific categories of FSAVC business issued by the FSA on 28 February 2000.
CREDS 9.2.1RRP
A credit union must provide the FCA, once a year, with a report in the format set out in CREDS 9 Annex 1 R (Credit Union complaints return) which contains (for the relevant reporting period) information about:(1) the total number of complaints received by the credit union;(2) (for the product/service groupings within section 5)3 the number of complaints closed by the credit union:(a) within eight weeks of receipt; and(b) more than eight weeks after receipt;(2A) (for other lending
CREDS 9.2.3GRP
Where a credit union has forwarded to another respondent only part of a complaint or where two respondents may be jointly responsible for a complaint, then the complaint should be reported by both firms.
CREDS 9.2.5GRP
For the purposes of CREDS 9.2.4 R:(1) a complaint received on any day other than a business day, or after close of business on a business day, may be treated as received on the next business day; and(2) a complaint is resolved where the complainant has indicated acceptance of a response from the credit union, with neither the response nor acceptance having to be in writing.
CREDS 9.2.6GRP
For the purpose of CREDS 9.2.1 R, and upon completing the return, the credit union should note that:(1) where a complaint could fall into more than one category, the complaint should be recorded against the category that the credit union considers to form the main part of the complaint;(2) where a complaint has been upheld under CREDS 9.2.1R (3)(a), a credit union should report any complaints to which it has given a final response which accepts the complaint and, where appropriate,
CREDS 9.2.11GRP
SUP 16.3.14 R applies to the credit unions' complaints returns.
CREDS 9.2.13GRP
The contact point in CREDS 9.2.1 R and CREDS 9.2.12 R can be by name or job title and may include, for example, a telephone number.
DISP 2.7.1RRP
A complaint may only be dealt with under the Financial Ombudsman Service if it is brought by or on behalf of an eligible complainant.127127
DISP 2.7.2RRP
A complaint may be brought on behalf of an eligible complainant (or a deceased person who would have been an eligible complainant) by a person authorised by the eligible complainant or authorised by law. It is immaterial whether the person authorised to act on behalf of an eligible complainant is himself an eligible complainant.127
DISP 2.7.3RRP
An eligible complainant must be a person that is:127(1) a consumer3; 3(2) a micro-enterprise3 ;3(a) 3in relation to a complaint relating wholly or partly to payment services, either at the time of the conclusion of the payment service contract or at the time the complainant refers the complaint to the respondent; or(b) otherwise, at the time the complainant refers the complaint to the respondent; (3) a charity which has an annual income of less than £1 million at the time the
DISP 2.7.5GRP
If a respondent is in doubt about the eligibility of a business, charity or trust, it should treat the complainant as if it were eligible. If the complaint is referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, the Ombudsman will determine eligibility by reference to appropriate evidence, such as audited accounts or VAT returns.127
DISP 2.7.6RRP
To be an eligible complainant a person must also have a complaint which arises from matters relevant to one or more of the following relationships with the respondent:127(1) the complainant is (or was) a customer,629payment service user3 or electronic money holder629 of the respondent;(2) the complainant is (or was) a potential customer,629payment service user3 or electronic money holder629 of the respondent;(3) the complainant is the holder, or the beneficial owner, of units
DISP 2.7.8GRP
127In the Compulsory Jurisdiction, under the Ombudsman Transitional Order and the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order, where a complainant:(1) wishes to have a relevant new complaint or a relevant transitional complaint dealt with by the Ombudsman; and(2) is not otherwise eligible; but(3) would have been entitled to refer an equivalent complaint to the former scheme in question immediately before the relevant transitional order came into effect;if the
DISP 2.7.9RRP
127The following are not eligible complainants:(1) (in all jurisdictions) a firm, payment service provider,3electronic money issuer, 629CBTL firm, designated credit reference agency11 or VJ participant whose complaint relates in any way to an activity which:83210(a) the firm itself has permission to carry on; or(ab) 3the firm,629payment service provider, 10electronic money issuer,11CBTL firm10or CBTL firm, designated credit reference agency11 itself is entitled to carry on under
DISP 2.7.9ARRP
933DISP 2.7.9 R (1) and DISP 2.7.9 R (2) do not apply to a complainant who is a consumer in relation to the activity to which the complaint relates.
DISP 2.7.10GRP
127In the Compulsory Jurisdiction, in relation to relevant new complaints under the Ombudsman Transitional Order and relevant transitional complaints under the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order:(1) where the former scheme in question is the Insurance Ombudsman Scheme, a complainant is not to be treated as an eligible complainant unless:(a) he is an individual; and(b) the relevant new complaint does not concern aspects of a policy relating to a business
DISP App 3.3.3GRP
The firm should recognise that oral evidence may be sufficient evidence and not dismiss evidence from the complainant solely because it is not supported by documentary proof. The firm should take account of a complainant's limited ability fully to articulate his complaint or to explain his actions or decisions made at the time of the sale.
DISP App 3.3.4GRP
Where the complainant's account of events conflicts with the firm's own records or leaves doubt, the firm should assess the reliability of the complainant's account fairly and in good faith. The firm should make all reasonable efforts (including by contact with the complainant where necessary) to clarify ambiguous issues or conflicts of evidence before making any finding against the complainant.
DISP App 3.3.6GRP
The firm should not reject a complaint because the complainant failed to exercise the right to cancel the policy.
DISP App 3.3.9GRP
In determining a particular complaint, the firm should (unless there are reasons not to because of the quality and plausibility of the respective evidence) give more weight to any specific evidence of what happened during the sale (including any relevant documentation and oral testimony) than to general evidence of selling practices at the time (such as training, instructions or sales scripts or relevant audit or compliance reports on those practices).
The firm should not assume that because it was not authorised to give advice (or because it intended to sell without making a recommendation) it did not in fact give advice in a particular sale. The firm should consider the available evidence and assess whether or not it gave advice or made a recommendation (explicitly or implicitly) to the complainant.
The firm should not reject a complaint solely because the complainant had held a payment protection contract previously.
REC 4.4.1GRP
Recognised bodies may receive complaints from time to time from their members and other people, both about the conduct of members and about the recognised body itself. A UK recognised body will need to have satisfactory arrangements to investigate these complaints in order to satisfy the relevant recognition requirements (see REC 2.15 and REC 2.16) or RAP recognition requirements (see REC 2A.3.2 G).1
REC 4.4.2GRP
The Act does not provide a mechanism for appeals to the FCA2 from decisions by recognised bodies in relation to complaints. However, the FCA2 is required by section 299 of the Act (Complaints about recognised bodies) to have arrangements to investigate complaints (called relevant complaints in the Act) which it considers relevant to the question of whether a recognised body should remain recognised as such. This section describes aspects of the FCA's2 arrangements for investigating
REC 4.4.3GRP
Where the FCA2 receives a complaint about a recognised body, it will, in the first instance, seek to establish whether the complainant has approached the recognised body. Where this is not the case, the FCA2 will ask the complainant to complain to the recognised body. Where the complainant is dissatisfied with the handling of the complaint, but has not exhausted the recognised body's own internal complaints procedures (in the case of a complaint against a UK recognised body, including
REC 4.4.4GRP
The FCA2 will not usually consider a complaint which has not, in the first instance, been made to the recognised body concerned, unless there is good reason for believing that it is a relevant complaint which merits early consideration by the FCA2.22
REC 4.4.5GRP
When it is considering a relevant complaint, the FCA2 will make its own enquiries as appropriate with the recognised body, the complainant and other persons. It will usually ask the recognised body and the complainant to comment upon any preliminary or draft conclusions of its review and to confirm any matters of fact at that stage.2
REC 4.4.6GRP
The FCA2 will communicate the outcome of its review of a relevant complaint to the complainant and the recognised body, but will normally only discuss any action which it considers the recognised body should take with the recognised body itself.2
DISP App 3.2.2GRP
The firm should seek to establish the true substance of the complaint, rather than taking a narrow interpretation of the issues raised, and should not focus solely on the specific expression of the complaint. This is likely to require an approach to complaint handling that seeks to clarify the nature of the complaint.
DISP App 3.2.3GRP
A firm may need to contact a complainant directly to understand fully the issues raised, even where the firm received the complaint from a third party acting on the complainant's behalf. The firm should not use this contact to delay the assessment of the complaint.
DISP App 3.2.4GRP
Where a complaint raises (expressly or otherwise) issues that may relate to the original sale or a subsequently rejected claim then, irrespective of the main focus of the complaint, the firm should pro-actively consider whether the issues relate to both the sale and the claim, and assess the complaint and determine redress accordingly.
DISP App 3.2.5GRP
If, during the assessment of the complaint, the firm uncovers evidence of a breach or failing not raised in the complaint, the firm should consider those other aspects as if they were part of the complaint.
DISP 1.4.1RRP
Once a complaint has been received by a respondent, it must:(1) investigate the complaint competently, diligently and impartially, obtaining additional information as necessary;59(2) assess fairly, consistently and promptly:(a) the subject matter of the complaint;(b) whether the complaint should be upheld;(c) what remedial action or redress (or both) may be appropriate;(d) if appropriate, whether it has reasonable grounds to be satisfied that another respondent may be solely or
DISP 1.4.2GRP
Factors that may be relevant in the assessment of a complaint under DISP 1.4.1R (2) include the following:59(1) all the evidence available and the particular circumstances of the complaint;(2) similarities with other complaints received by the respondent;(3) relevant guidance published by the FCA , other relevant regulators, the Financial Ombudsman Service or former schemes; and(4) appropriate analysis of decisions by the Financial Ombudsman Service concerning similar complaints
DISP 1.4.3GRP
The respondent should aim to resolve complaints at the earliest possible opportunity, minimising the number of unresolved complaints which need to be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.4.4RRP
Where a complaint against a respondent is referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, the respondent must cooperate fully with the Financial Ombudsman Service and comply promptly with any settlements or awards made by it.1
DISP 1.10.1BGRP
Where a firm has forwarded to another respondent only part of a complaint or where two respondents may be jointly responsible for a complaint, then the complaint should be reported by both firms.10111
DISP 1.10.2RRP
Part A of DISP 1 Annex 1R requires (for the relevant reporting period) information about:10(1) the total number of complaints received by the firm; 10(2) the total number of complaints closed by the firm: 10(a) within four weeks or less of receipt;10(b) more than four weeks and up to eight weeks of receipt; and10(c) more than eight weeks after receipt;10(3) the total number of complaints: 10(a) upheld by the firm in the reporting period; and 10(b) outstanding at the beginning
DISP 1.10.2-ARRP
Part B of DISP 1 Annex 1R requires (for the relevant reporting period) information about:10618(1) the total number of complaints received by the firm;10(2) the total number of complaints closed by the firm;10(3) the total number of complaints:10(a) upheld by the firm in the reporting period; and10(b) outstanding at the beginning of the reporting period; and10(4) the total amount of redress paid in respect of complaints during the reporting period.10
DISP 1.10.3GRP
For the purposes of DISP 1.10.2R, DISP 1.10.2-AR and DISP 1.10.2AR, when completing the return, the firm should take into account the following matters.106184(1) If a complaint could fall into more than one category, the complaint should be recorded in the category which the firm considers to form the main part of the complaint.10(2) Under DISP 1.10.2R(3)(a) or DISP 1.10.2-AR, a firm should report any complaint to which it has given a response which upholds the complaint, even
DISP 1.10.7RRP
A closed complaint is a complaint where:10(1) the firm has sent a final response; or10(2) the complainant has indicated in writing acceptance of the firm's earlier response under DISP 1.6.4 R.10317317
DISP 1.10.10GRP
618In DISP 1.10, references to revenue in relation to any firm do not include the amount of any repayment of any credit provided by that firm as lender.10
DISP 3.5.3GRP
Where two or more complaints from one complainant relate to connected circumstances, the Ombudsman may investigate them together, but will issue separate provisional assessments and determinations in respect of each respondent.1515
DISP 3.5.9RRP
15The Ombudsman may:(1) exclude evidence that would otherwise be admissible in a court or include evidence that would not be admissible in a court;(2) accept information in confidence (so that only an edited version, summary or description is disclosed to the other party) where he considers it appropriate;(3) reach a decision on the basis of what has been supplied and take account of the failure by a party to provide information requested; and(4) treat the complaint as withdrawn
DISP 3.5.13RRP
15The Ombudsman may fix (and extend) time limits for any aspect of the consideration of a complaint by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 3.5.14RRP
15If a respondent fails to comply with a time limit, the Ombudsman may:(1) proceed with consideration of the complaint; and(2) include provision for any material distress or material inconvenience caused by that failure in any award which he decides to make.
DISP 3.5.15RRP
15If a complainant fails to comply with a time limit, the Ombudsman may:(1) proceed with consideration of the complaint; or(2) treat the complaint as withdrawn and cease to consider the merits.2727
DISP 2.5.1RRP
The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Voluntary Jurisdiction if:427(1) it is not covered by the Compulsory Jurisdiction;831 and427(2) it relates to an act or omission by a VJ participant in carrying on one or more of the following activities:(a) an activity carried on after 28 April 1988 which:(i) was not a regulated activity at the time of the act or omission, but(ii) was a regulated activity when the VJ participant joined the Voluntary Jurisdiction (or became an
DISP 2.5.3GRP
DISP 2.5.1R (2)(a)is for those that are subject to the Compulsory Jurisdiction for regulated activities but are not covered by the Ombudsman Transitional Order or the Mortgage and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order. It enables the Financial OmbudsmanScheme to cover complaints about earlier events relating to those activities before they became regulated activities.4272427
DISP 2.5.4GRP
DISP 2.5.1R (2)(b) is for those that were members of one of the former schemes replaced by the Financial Ombudsman Service immediately before commencement. It enables the Financial Ombudsman Service5 to cover complaints that arise out of acts or omissions occurring after commencement for any activities which are not covered by the Compulsory Jurisdiction but that would have been covered by the relevant former scheme.4275
DISP 2.5.4AGRP
6DISP 2.5.1R (2)(l) includes complaints about the EEA end of 'one leg' payment services transactions, i.e. services provided from EEA establishments that are subject to the territorial jurisdiction of the Voluntary Jurisdiction (see DISP 2.6.4R (2)) that also involve a payment service provider located outside the EEA. It also includes complaints about payment services irrespective of the currency of the transaction.
DISP 2.5.5RRP
427The Voluntary Jurisdiction covers an act or omission that occurred before the VJ participant was participating in the Voluntary Jurisdiction, and whether the act or omission occurred before or after commencement, either:(1) if the complaint could have been dealt with under a former scheme; or(2) under the agreement by the VJ participant in the Standard Terms.
DISP 1.7.1RRP
A respondent that has reasonable grounds to be satisfied that another respondent may be solely or jointly responsible for the matter alleged in a complaint may forward the complaint, or the relevant part of it, in writing to that other respondent, provided it: (1) does so promptly; (2) informs the complainant promptly in a final response of why the complaint has been forwarded by it to the other respondent, and of the other respondent's contact details; and(3) where jointly responsible
DISP 1.7.2RRP
When a respondent receives a complaint that has been forwarded to it under DISP 1.7.1 R, the complaint is treated for the purposes of DISP as if made directly to that respondent, and as if received by it when the forwarded complaint was received.
DISP 1.7.3GRP
On receiving a forwarded complaint, the standard time limits will apply from the date on which the respondent receives the forwarded complaint.
DISP 2.6.1RRP
(1) The Compulsory Jurisdiction covers complaints about the activities of a firm (including its appointed representatives) , of a payment service provider (including agents of a payment institution), 11 of an electronic money issuer (including agents of an electronic money institution)12 of a CBTL firm, or of a designated credit reference agency12 carried on from an establishment in the United Kingdom.771111(2) The Compulsory Jurisdiction also covers complaints about:9779(a)
DISP 2.6.2GRP
This:519(1) includes incoming EEA firms, incoming EEAauthorised payment institutions6, incoming EEA authorised electronic money institutions820 and incoming Treaty firms; but(2) excludes complaints about business conducted in the United Kingdom on a services basis from an establishment outside the United Kingdom (other than complaints about collective portfolio management services provided by an EEA UCITS management company in managing a UCITS scheme, and complaints about AIFM
DISP 2.6.4RRP
The Voluntary Jurisdiction covers only complaints about the activities of a VJ participant carried on from an establishment:519(1) in the United Kingdom; or(2) elsewhere in the EEA if the following conditions are met:(a) the activity is directed wholly or partly at the United Kingdom (or part of it);(b) contracts governing the activity are (or, in the case of a potential customer, would have been) made under the law of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland; and(c) the
DISP 2.6.5GRP
A complaint can be dealt with under the Financial Ombudsman Service whether or not the complainant lives or is based in the United Kingdom.519519