Appointments/Reappointments to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Council

The Minister for Finance has appointed two new members to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Council and has reappointed two Council member for a further term of 5 years. The two new appointments arise from the expiry of the term of office of one member and the resignation of another member.

The two new appointments were made following a public competition held by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) which specifically sought candidates with expertise in the areas of consumer protection issues, the financial services industry and the pensions industry.

The following candidates will be appointed to the Council for a 5 year term with effect from 20th January 2021:

• Ms Ann Duffy - Non-Executive Director, Rehab Group and former Director Corporate Affairs with Fyffes plc
• Mr Mick McAteer - Founder/Co-Director of The Financial Inclusion Centre and former Board Member of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The following members will be reappointed to the Council following expiry of their current term of office for a further 5 year with effect from 20th January 2021:

• Ms Valerie Bowens
• Mr Ken Murnaghan

Note for Editors

Role of Financial Services Ombudsman Council

The Financial Services Ombudsman Council was established by Section 37 of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017. The functions of the Council include determining the Financial Service Industry Levy, keeping under review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ombudsman and advise the Minister, either at the Minister’s request or on its own initiative, on any matter relevant to the performance of the functions of the Ombudsman and to advise the Ombudsman on any matter on which the Ombudsman seeks advice.

The Council has no role with respect to how the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman deals with a particular complaint submitted to him.

From the 20th of January 2021 the Council will be:-