Press Release No. : 16/2024
Date : 31 July 2024
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES OMBUDS AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW OMBUDSPERSON
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) announces the establishment of the Office of the Financial Services Ombuds (FSO) as announced in the 2024 National Budget Address.
The FSO will serve as an impartial platform for resolving disputes, specifically tasked with investigating, mediating and ensuring fair resolutions between consumers and financial services providers that are licenced and regulated by the RBF. The office will play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers have access to a reliable mechanism for addressing their grievances, thereby fostering trust and confidence in Fiji’s financial sector.
The Reserve Bank announces in this regard, the appointment of Ms Wati Seeto as the inaugural Financial Services Ombudsperson. Ms Seeto brings 25 years of legal experience including 15 years of experience in financial regulation and consumer protection having previously served in senior roles at the Capital Markets Development Authority before transferring to the RBF in 2010. Her legal expertise and dedication to consumer advocacy makes her an ideal choice to lead this important initiative.
The Governor RBF, Mr Ariff Ali, stated that “the creation of the FSO is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and ensure the integrity of our financial system. We are confident that under Ms Seeto’s guidance the FSO will effectively address consumer concerns and contribute to a more transparent and accountable financial sector.”
Consumers seeking assistance from the FSO will be required to first exhaust the current complaints avenues provided by the financial institutions.
The FSO will begin operations on 01 August 2024.
Consumers can contact the office through various channels including a dedicated email: complaints@rbf.gov.fj
For online submissions, please use the below link.
https://eservice.rbf.gov.fj/financial-institutions-complaints/
RESERVE BANK OF FIJI
For further details, please contact: –
Communications Office:
Telephone: (679) 3223 381 Email: info@rbf.gov.fj
Mr Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications:
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj