The Reserve Bank of Fiji has appointed prominent lawyer Wati Seeto as the first Financial Services Ombudswoman.
Seeto brings 25 years of legal experience, including 15 years in financial regulation and consumer protection, having previously served in 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.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali stated, “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 be required to first exhaust the current complaints avenues provided by financial institutions.
The FSO will begin operations on August 1, 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/