'We need financial ombudsman for bank customers'

HSBC'S decision to close some ex-pat accounts has highlighted the need for a new financial ombudsman, one deputy believes.

John Gollop said he felt it would be in the best interests of the population for a new body focused on local customer complaints against banks to be set up.

Commerce and Employment has been working with Jersey's Economic Development Department to progress a joint Channel Islands Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO).

'We need an ombudsman to take up individual customer issues,' Deputy Gollop, pictured, said.

'I don't think it's Guernsey Finance's role or the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.'