The Financial Ombudsman Service, the body responsible for resolving disputes between consumers and financial firms, has confirmed Liam Coleman as its permanent chair, ending a year in which he led the organisation on an interim basis.

The decision was made by the FCA Board and received Treasury approval. Coleman’s three-year term will begin on 10 October 2026, turning his temporary stewardship into a longer-term mandate at a time when the regulator is focused on building a redress framework that works for both consumers and the firms that serve them.

The appointment gives the ombudsman stability at board level. Having already spent twelve months in the chair, Coleman steps into the permanent position with direct knowledge of the organisation’s board, executive team and stakeholder relationships.

Alongside his ombudsman duties, Coleman serves as group chair of London & Quadrant Housing Trust. His career spans both financial services and the public sector, with earlier positions at the FCA, an NHS Foundation Trust, Nationwide Building Society, Royal Bank of Scotland and Cooperative Bank.

FCA chair Ashley Alder said, ‘Liam has brought strong leadership and valuable insight to the Financial Ombudsman Service over the past year. His extensive experience across financial services, regulation and public service organisations will be invaluable as we work together to support a redress system that is fair, predictable and effective for consumers and firms.’

Coleman said, ‘I am honoured to take on the permanent role as chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service. It plays a vital role in upholding fairness and trust in the financial system.

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