FCA confirms permanent FOS chair

The FCA board has appointed Liam Coleman as chair at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), with approval of the Treasury.

Serving as interim chair for the last year, Coleman took up the permanent role on 10 October 2026 for a three year term. 

He succeeds former chair Baroness Zahida Manzoor, who stepped down after two terms in the role.

Ashley Alder, chair at the FCA, said: “Coleman has brought strong leadership and valuable insight to the FOS 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.”

Experience

Coleman has previous experience as non-executive director at the FCA and is currently group chair of London and Quadrant Housing Trust.

Prior to serving at the regulator, Coleman took on roles at the NHS Foundation Trust, Nationwide Building Society, Royal Bank of Scotland and Cooperative Bank.

Coleman said: “I am honoured to take on the permanent role as chair of the FOS. 

“It plays a vital role in upholding fairness and trust in the financial system. I am pleased to be able to continue to work with the rest of the board, the executive team and our wider stakeholders.”