New banking ombudsman

2 November 2004

BRUSSELS – Customers who feel they have been badly treated by a Belgian bank can now turn to an independent watchdog.

Up until now, the only avenue available to disgruntled clients was to complain to an ombudsman paid for by the banks themselves – a service which attracted 2206 cases in 2003.

On Monday, it was announced that a new consumer representative would join the existing ombudsman at the Belgian Association of Banks (Association Belge des Banques – ABB).

Clients can complain to the service about all types of bank accounts, credit and financial transactions.

A verdict will be issued in each case to both the bank and the customer.

The service is entirely free and anyone interested in using it should contact the ABB.

Subject: Belgian news