The Reserve Bank of Fiji has announced the appointment of prominent lawyer Wati Seeto as the inaugural Financial Services Ombudswoman.
Seeto brings 25 years of legal experience, including 15 years in financial regulation and consumer protection, having formerly held senior roles at the Capital Markets Development Authority before moving to the RBF in 2010.
Her legal expertise and dedication to consumer advocacy make her an ideal choice to lead this important initiative.
She will head the newly established Office of the Financial Services Ombuds (FSO), as announced in the 2024 National Budget Address.
The FSO will serve as an impartial platform for resolving disputes, specifically tasked with investigating, mediating, and ensuring fair resolutions between consumers and financial services providers licensed and regulated by the RBF.
The office will play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers have access to a reliable mechanism for addressing their grievances, thereby fostering trust and confidence in Fiji’s financial sector.
Governor RBF, Ariff Ali, stated that “the creation of the FSO is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and ensure the integrity of our financial system. We are confident that under Ms Seeto’s guidance the FSO will effectively address consumer concerns and contribute to a more transparent and accountable financial sector.”
Consumers seeking assistance from the FSO will need to first exhaust the current complaints avenues provided by the financial institutions.
The FSO will begin operations on 1 August 2024.
Consumers can contact the office through various channels including a dedicated email: complaints@rbf.gov.fj
Online submissions can be made using this link: https://eservice.rbf.gov.fj/financial-institutions-complaints/