Chris Cummings, director-general of AMI, said Howard’s appointment was particularly welcome as he brings significant industry experience with him. He said: “John Howard was a member of the Mortgage Code Compliance Board (MCCB) and so knows the mortgage market first-hand.”
Cummings explained that the Panel is very influential and that any FSA initiative has to be agreed by both the Consumer and the Practitioner Panel. He said: “The job of the Consumer Panel is to reflect consumer opinion and a good adviser will always put his customer’s interests first. John has the experience to use the influence of the Panel effectively.”
Howard is due to take over as chairman of the FSCP from 1 October when current chairman Ann Foster steps down. FSA chairman Callum McCarthy said: “I am delighted that John Howard, a long-standing Panel member, is taking over as chairman.
“He and the other members will continue to ensure that the Panel acts as a strong, independent consumer voice to the FSA.”
Howard is a journalist, broadcaster and a qualified solicitor, and has extensive experience of consumer issues and financial services. As well as his work on the MCCB, he has been a member of the Consumer Panel for over four years and has also been a member of the Council of Energywatch since April 2005.
