FOS Promotes Nausicaa Delfas to Interim CEO and Chief Ombudsman

The Financial Ombudsman Service has announced the promotion of Nausicaa Delfas to Interim Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman, effective from mid-May 2021.

Recently, a press release shared with Finance Magnates revealed that Nausicaa Delfas, a financial services veteran, has been named by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as its interim Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman.

As Delfas begins her new role, the FOS Board will recruit a permanent chief executive and chief ombudsman. She will take over from Caroline Wayman, who previously held the role for seven years.

A Look Back at Delfas Vocation

Prior to this promotion, Delfas has spent close to a decade under the Financial Conduct Authority. She is currently in her most recent position as its Executive Director of International and Interim Chief Operating Officer. Before this, she triumphed in her four previous roles. These included Executive Director of International, Executive Director and COO, Director of Specialist Supervision, Head of Mortgages and Consumer Credit.

Earlier in August 2000, she became the Head of Department for the Financial Services Authority. Located in London, she was in charge of enforcement, policy and supervision over the course of around twelve years.

Additionally, she had served Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP as a solicitor for almost eight years. After two years as a trainee, she progressed her career and focused her efforts on EU and Financial Services litigation.

A Fantastic Opportunity

Announcing the appointment, Chairman Baroness Zahida Manzoor CBE said: “Nausicaa Delfas brings a wealth of experience and a firm understanding of the environment within which we are operating and the challenges that lie ahead. The service enters this financial year ready to move beyond PPI and focussed on providing a timely and efficient service to our customers. And we do so, looking ahead, albeit cautiously, to more positive times as we emerge from a global pandemic. The board, the executive team and I are looking forward to working with Nausicaa.”

Also, FCA's Chief Executive, Nikhil Rathi stated: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Nausicaa, and the Financial Ombudsman Service is very lucky to have her. I wish her the very best in her new role.”

“I am honoured to be appointed interim Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Financial Ombudsman Service plays an essential role in ensuring the financial system works for everyone - financial services firms, consumers and businesses. Building on Caroline Wayman’s legacy, my priority will be to lead the Financial Ombudsman Service to ensure we deliver an effective and reliable service,” Delfas responded.