BFCSA Blog

FOS 'lacks timeliness': Independent review http://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/fos-lacks-timeliness-independent-review-185299.aspxby Calida Smylie | 13 Mar 2014   An independent review of the Financial Ombudsman Service has found the external dispute regulator’s organisational model inefficient and needs a make-over.The reviewer, consultant Cameronralph Navigator, assessed FOS against ASIC’s benchmarks for external dispute resolution (EDR) schemes – accessibility, independence, fairness, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.It found FOS, an ASIC-approved EDR scheme, did not meet its benchmark for efficiency and caused undue delays when dealing with disputes.Cameronralph Navigator said FOS needed to take immediate steps to clear its backlog and refresh its organisational approach.It recommended FOS be more proactive and change its approach to dealing with disputes involving financial difficulty by taking a more "assertive approach"."The primary issue identified by our analysis is the configuration of FOS into a series of 'production line' steps, each focusing on a particular dispute resolution technique,” the review said.“This is designed to progressively filter out the...

If you have complaints against La Trobe, we want to here from you.  COSL are doing nothing regarding the ones that have already banked up.  I seem to recall reporting La Trobe for peculiar transactions in 1999, via letters to the ASIC Chairman, the Tas Law Society and ASIC Commissioner in Tasmania.   Hmmmmmm I more than likely have kept those files.  You probably have shredded yours. BFCSA Members are starting to appreciate the value of data-banking....................................the collective strength in swapping information, documents and also exchanging stories of experience with these lenders. Non Bank lenders are starting to explain they do not adhere to the Australian Bankers Code of Practice............well Mr O'Neill you ought to explain the HIGH RISKs of unregulated lenders and products to customers BEFORE they sign up with a non bank lender.  Same thing Treasurer Joe Hockey warned last year................................ Now that may not be profitable for business, but it...