Inside the complaint process
We recommend the package that fits the work needed at your current stage.
How our service works
How Our CIFAS Marker Removal Process works
Most people who come to us want to challenge an unfair marker but do not know where to start. This page explains exactly how our process works and how long each stage takes. It begins with a free case assessment.
What happens first
Getting Started
You do not need to work out what to do alone. We look at the marker, the issuer, the evidence, and what has already happened, then recommend documents, representation, fast-track support, or custom-priced support if the standard complaint process has already been exhausted.
Documents or representation
You can choose prepared documents or have us handle the complaint process for you.
Outside the standard process
Post-Ombudsman or court-focused work is assessed and priced separately.
Our process
Removal Process and Timeline
We follow our 4 step Cifas Civil Dispute Process. We assess your marker, understand where you are in the process then draft your complaint documents and submit the complaint to the issuer, and escalate to CIFAS and the Financial Ombudsman if the marker is not removed. Most cases are resolved at the issuer stage, so they never need to go further.
1
Stage 11 to 5 days
CIFAS Case Assessment
Initial Assessment & Evidence Collection
Before we write anything, we collect your data from the CIFAS marker issuer and hold a consultation with you to gather all the information we need. This is where we confirm whether your marker can realistically be removed.
- We request your data from the marker issuer
- Consultation to understand what happened
- We review the marker category and the evidence
- We confirm whether your marker can be removed
2
Stage 2Up to 8 weeks
Draft And Submit Your Complaint
We prepare a professional complaint and send it
Once we have collected the data and completed our internal investigation, we draft your complaint and submit it to the issuer. The issuer then has up to 8 weeks to provide a final response.
- Complaint drafted around the evidence and filing reason
- Submitted directly to the issuer
- The issuer has up to 8 weeks to respond
- We handle the issuer responses for you
3
Stage 3Around 4 weeks
Escalate The Complaint To CIFAS
If the issuer refuses, we engage Cifas
If the issuer does not remove the marker, we escalate the complaint to CIFAS for an independent review of the filing against the evidence and the CIFAS rules.
- Independent CIFAS review requested
- Filing tested against the CIFAS standard of proof
- Data protection grounds raised where relevant
- We prepare every document for the review
4
Stage 46 to 8 weeks
Escalate The Complaint To The Financial Ombudsman
An independent, binding final decision
If the marker still stands, we prepare your case for the Financial Ombudsman, who carries out a thorough, fair, and balanced review and issues a final decision. Depending on your situation, we can also prioritise your case.
- Full Financial Ombudsman referral prepared
- Thorough and independent review
- Fair and balanced final decision
- Priority handling available depending on your case
Fixed-Fee Packages
Choose The Right Level Of Support
Your free assessment tells us what your case needs. From there, pick the level of support that suits you: prepared documents to run the complaint yourself, full representation where we handle everything for you, or fast-track support for urgent cases.
Documents Package
For clients who want professionally prepared documents but will still handle parts of the complaint process themselves.
£500/ package
- Professional complaint documents
- Evidence summary and removal request
- Documents prepared for your complaint stage
- Custom GPT case support for questions
- No Win, No Fee is not included
Representation Package
For clients who want us to handle the complaint process through our fixed 4-stage representation process.
£1,000/ package
- Human-led case assessment
- Complaint documents prepared for you
- Representation through the complaint process
- No Win, No Fee guarantee
- Custom GPT case support for questions
Fast Track Support
For urgent cases where you want priority support, full complaint-process support, and court documents where needed.
£1,500/ package
- Priority case assessment
- Full complaint process support
- Fast-track document preparation
- Court documents where needed
- Custom GPT case support for questions
Fixed package prices apply to standard complaint-process support. If your complaint has already been rejected by the Financial Ombudsman, or the work required sits outside the standard complaint process, we will assess the work and quote separately.
Proven results
Our strongest CIFAS marker removals
Real outcomes for real clients. Fast removals, markers cleared at every stage, and compensation paid directly to the people we helped.
500+
Markers challenged
80+
Documented removals
11 min
Fastest removal
100%
Compensation to you
How it works FAQ
Cifas Removal Process FAQ
What happens when I contact CIFAS Marker UK?+
We assess where you are in the complaint process, review the marker and evidence, then recommend the right level of support based on your situation.
Do you use the same process for every case?+
Yes. Every case is handled through our fixed 4-stage representation process. The support package may change, but the structure we use to assess, prepare, support, and escalate the case remains consistent.
Does every package include No Win, No Fee?+
No. The Documents Package does not include a No Win, No Fee guarantee because you remain responsible for parts of the complaint process after the documents are prepared. The Representation Package includes the No Win, No Fee guarantee.
What if the Financial Ombudsman has already rejected my complaint?+
If the complaint process has already been exhausted, we assess what is needed and price the next stage separately. Post-Ombudsman or court-focused support is not treated as a standard complaint-process package.
Can I ask questions while my case is progressing?+
Yes. Clients receive support through our custom GPT case assistant, so they can ask questions about documents, issuer responses, evidence, and next steps during the process.
Do you take any compensation?+
No. Any compensation awarded by an issuer, the Financial Ombudsman Service, or a court is paid to you. We do not take a success fee, commission, or deduction.
Next step
Speak to us about your CIFAS marker
Tell us what has happened and where you are in the complaint process. We will assess your situation and recommend the right level of support.