The National Financial Ombud exists to uphold financial fairness and to serve all financial services consumers in South Africa. In addition to our Ombud work (providing free, fair and impartial, alternative dispute resolution), we have a mandate to provide educational and training services.

We focus on empowering consumers through enhanced financial literacy, fraud awareness and prevention, and making people more aware of their rights in relation to their financial services providers.

By raising awareness of the role and powers of Ombud schemes such as the National Financial Ombud, we contribute to increased standards across the financial services sector. Our various outreach schemes and communications initiatives are intended to make Ombud services as inclusive and accessible as possible, so that no consumer ever feels excluded. We take special care to meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalised consumers, and to ensure that they receive elevated standards of service from financial institutions.

In 2026, we’ll be launching the Finmark Trust community digitisation programme and our rural financial education and inclusion programme to empower consumers living in rural areas who are currently underserved in terms of access to information and services.

At the National Financial Ombud, we are here to encourage elevated industry standards, and to assist the nationwide community of consumers with accessing and benefitting from services designed and delivered in compliance with accepted best practice. 

This is your Ombud, and we are here to help.