Liam Coleman has been appointed chairman of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) after holding the position on an interim basis for the past year.
His three-year term has been confirmed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with the approval of the Treasury.
Coleman (pictured) brings financial services and public-sector experience to the board.
He is chairman of London & Quadrant Housing Trust, and joined the FOS from the FCA, where he spent six years as a non-executive director.
Coleman has previously served at the NHS Foundation Trust, Nationwide Building Society, Royal Bank of Scotland and Cooperative Bank.
The appointment comes months after Jenny Simmonds was named chief executive and James Dipple-Johnstone became permanent chief ombudsman.
Coleman replaces Baroness Zahida Manzoor, who stepped down in August 2025 after two terms.
Her departure followed the then chancellor Rachel Reeves setting out her planned reform of the FOS.
A vital role
FCA chairman Ashley Alder said Coleman has brought strong leadership and valuable insight to the Financial Ombudsman 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 he is honoured to take on the role of permanent chairman.
“It plays a vital role in upholding fairness and trust in the financial system,” he added.
“I am pleased to be able to continue to work with the rest of the board, the executive team and our wider stakeholders.”
