Stage 3
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Independent body that resolves complaints between consumers and financial businesses
The Financial Ombudsman Service is a free, independent body that resolves complaints between consumers and financial businesses. If a CIFAS member rejects your complaint or fails to respond within 8 weeks, you can refer the case to the FOS. The ombudsman can order marker removal and award compensation.
Visit FOS website →What FOS can do
- Investigate complaints about CIFAS markers
- Order marker removal if the marker was unfair or inaccurate
- Award compensation for distress, inconvenience, and financial loss
- Make binding decisions that the institution must follow
- Provide a free alternative to court
What FOS cannot do
- Investigate unless the institution has had 8 weeks to respond first
- Apply strict legal tests — they use 'fair and reasonable'
- Investigate complaints about CIFAS itself (only members)
- Act as quickly as a court in urgent cases
Key facts
1,657 CIFAS marker decisions in our database
28% upheld rate (customer wins)
Cases typically take 3-6 months
Free to use — no cost to the consumer
Need help with a CIFAS marker complaint?
The system supports your case through every stage — including FOS.
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