He takes over on 3 September 2004 succeeding Rosemary Radcliffe who has been the first Complaints Commissioner for the FSA since the inception of the Complaints Scheme in September 2001.
The Complaints Commissioner is responsible for investigating complaints against the FSA operating independently of the FSA and fulfils an important role within its accountability arrangements under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
The complaints arrangements deal with complaints made against the FSA by firms, consumers and others who come into direct contact with the FSA. The Commissioner’s remit includes the power to investigate allegations of mistakes and lack of care, unreasonable delay, unprofessional behaviour, bias and lack of integrity. Complaints relating to the FSA's general policies or exercise of our discretion where no misconduct is alleged and those relating to our rule making powers are dealt with through other channels.
FSA Chairman Callum McCarthy said:
“The independent Complaints Commissioner plays a key part in ensuring the FSA’s accountability. Sir Anthony’s distinguished career spans 40 years of service in both the legal profession and public service. His breadth of expertise and judgement will be invaluable in ensuring the FSA remains accountable to all those affected by its decisions.
"I would like to express the thanks and appreciation of the FSA Board to Rosemary Radcliffe for her work to establish the Complaints Commissioner position as one of undoubted independence and integrity.”
Sir Anthony said:
“The Complaints Commissioner role is very important to underwriting the FSA's accountability as regulator to the financial services industry and the wider public. It is vital that the regulators are aware that their actions may become exposed to independent scrutiny and I look forward to helping the FSA in its stated aim to make the organisation easier to do business with."
