The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed the reappointment of Baroness Zahida Manzoor CBE as chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service, with the approval of the Treasury.

Manzoor first took up her role at the Financial Ombudsman Service in 2019 on an initial three-year term, while this reappointment for her second term will last until August 2025.

The appointment was welcomed by FCA interim chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, who commented: “I congratulate Zahida on her reappointment and I look forward to continuing to work with her.

“The Financial Ombudsman Service fulfils an essential role in ensuring fair outcomes for consumers and financial services firms, and the extensive transformation programme initiated in her first term as chair will stand the service in good stead for the future.”

Manzoor was similarly enthusiastic about her appointment as she stated: “I’m delighted to be reappointed as chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service as we move forward on our ambitious change agenda to provide a first-rate service to our customers.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with my board and my new executive team to deliver sustainable performance improvements, excellent service standards and value for money.”

Manzoor also identified more of her key focuses for her second term, namely maintaining open and constructive dialogue with the ombudsman’s stakeholders, including the Treasury and the FCA.

"We will continue to ensure that our proactive engagement to share the valuable insights our casework provides will enable businesses to address their customers’ concerns quickly and fairly and reduce the number of complaints that need to be referred to our service," she added.

Manzoor spent over 20 years at board level within large, complex organisations, and has also served as The Legal Services Ombudsman for England and Wales and The Legal Services Complaints Commissioner.

Share Story: