Re: Latest updates on PPI Judicial Review and claims on hold
Cash crisis threat to Financial Ombudsman
By Richard Dyson
26 March 2011, 7:04pm
The Financial Ombudsman Service could face a funding crisis unless the City watchdog, the Financial Services Authority, this week approves measures that will enable it to raise cash.
FOS HQ: PPI generates 70,000 complaints a year
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The FOS crunch arises from complaints over payment protection insurance, the loan cover sold by banks. PPI generates 70,000 FOS complaints a year - half its caseload. The problems have been intensified by litigation.
Judgment on a High Court case launched by the British Bankers' Association, which argued that the FOS was upholding too many PPI complaints, is expected shortly, but by dragging out PPI cases under adjudication, it has starved the FOS of funds.
About 80% of its revenue comes from £600-per-case payments made by firms, but only when disputes are closed.
The BBA's action threw 'significant uncertainty' over its budgeting, the FOS said, threatening 'extreme operational and financial scenarios'.
The litigation has also given some banks cause to become less co-operative, straining the FOS further.
The FOS projected a worstcase situation where increased foot-dragging by banks, irrespective of the litigation's outcome, triggered monthly losses of £4m. This would exhaust reserves 'within six weeks', it estimated.
It has suggested an increased levy payable by all regulated firms - not just the banks - to be collected by the FSA in May.
The FOS's budget for 2011-2012 is set at about £100m. It is seeking up to £30m via the enhanced levy.
It is also focusing on cost reduction.
Cash crisis threat to Financial Ombudsman
By Richard Dyson
26 March 2011, 7:04pm
The Financial Ombudsman Service could face a funding crisis unless the City watchdog, the Financial Services Authority, this week approves measures that will enable it to raise cash.
FOS HQ: PPI generates 70,000 complaints a year
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
- Banks face £4bn blow for PPI mis-selling
- Q&A: PPI judicial review
- Budget 2011: What it means for you
FTSE LATEST
5900.7619.89
The FOS crunch arises from complaints over payment protection insurance, the loan cover sold by banks. PPI generates 70,000 FOS complaints a year - half its caseload. The problems have been intensified by litigation.
Judgment on a High Court case launched by the British Bankers' Association, which argued that the FOS was upholding too many PPI complaints, is expected shortly, but by dragging out PPI cases under adjudication, it has starved the FOS of funds.
About 80% of its revenue comes from £600-per-case payments made by firms, but only when disputes are closed.
The BBA's action threw 'significant uncertainty' over its budgeting, the FOS said, threatening 'extreme operational and financial scenarios'.
The litigation has also given some banks cause to become less co-operative, straining the FOS further.
The FOS projected a worstcase situation where increased foot-dragging by banks, irrespective of the litigation's outcome, triggered monthly losses of £4m. This would exhaust reserves 'within six weeks', it estimated.
It has suggested an increased levy payable by all regulated firms - not just the banks - to be collected by the FSA in May.
The FOS's budget for 2011-2012 is set at about £100m. It is seeking up to £30m via the enhanced levy.
It is also focusing on cost reduction.
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