Independent body to decide complaints relating to banking, investments and insurance.

Facility established to hear complaints by eligible complainants and make awards where appropriate. Can award a maximum of £100,000 plus costs.

The office of the Financial Ombudsman Service was set up to sort out individual complaints between customers and banks. The service is free to bank customers. The Office of the Financial Ombudsman Service is independent and impartial. They're responsible to an independent counsel not the banks. The bank has to accept the decision made by the Office of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Customers don't have to accept the Office of the Banking Ombudsman's decision plus they have the right to go to court as well. To contact them write to the following address: The Office of the Financial Ombudsman Service South Quay Plaza 183 Marsh Wall London E14 9SR