To protect citizens from the arbitrariness of insurance organizations, banks and other financial companies, a new intermediary has been introduced in Russia since September this year - a financial ombudsman (in translation from Swedish “ombudsman” - a representative). Now the financial sector will be under additional supervision and before going to court, citizens are obliged to go to it.
Idea from abroad
The ombudsman, who promotes the protection of the rights and interests of citizens, originally appeared in Sweden in the 19th century. The positive experience was supported overseas and smoothly disseminated around the world. The idea of introducing a financial ombudsman institution was proposed to Russia by the World Bank nine years ago. However, the idea was only implemented at the present time, when the need arose to ease the burden of resolving disputes in the financial sector. It is important to note that the implementation of the powers of the financial ombudsman will begin only from January next year.
The work of lawyers will be relieved
With the advent of the financial ombudsman, citizens do not have to spend additional money on the services of lawyers. In order to apply to a financial ombudsman, unlike, say, a court, you do not need special legal knowledge. Now the financial ombudsman will help the citizens. It will even be encouraged to appeal directly to the financial ombudsman: for ordinary citizens, the service will be free. If a lawyer complains, then the service will be provided for money (paragraph 6 of article 16 of the law of June 4, 2018 No. 123 on the financial ombudsman).
How the financial overseer will monitor the reporting sectors
The area in question will be monitored personally by the financial ombudsman in full for compliance with current legislation. The reporting organizations will be included in a special register. The activities of the accountable persons will be checked on the basis of citizens' appeals.
Algorithm of actions when contacting the financial ombudsman
Before contacting the financial ombudsman, citizens should try to solve the problem with the financial or insurance company themselves. If the dispute is not possible to resolve, you need to send a written or electronic application to him. To do this, you can both personally refer to him, and through the centers "My Documents" and the portal of the State Service. Attendance at dispute resolution is optional. In case of dissatisfaction with the decision of the financial commissioner, you can safely go to court.
Will the financial ombudsman maintain impartiality
In order to promptly resolve controversial issues and preserve impartiality, a number of financial commissioners will be introduced in Russia. Also, restrictions will be established - the same person will not be able to hold office more than three times in a row, and the term of office of the financial ombudsman was made five years.
Voronin Yuri Viktorovich - the first Russian financial ombudsman
Yuri Viktorovich Voronin, born on October 17, 1962, was appointed the chief financial ombudsman in the country on September 3. Prior to his appointment to the post of financial ombudsman, he worked for more than thirty years in leading positions in the state. And before assuming his current position, he was an advisor to the chairman of the Central Bank.
Yuri Viktorovich was born in Moscow. In 1996 he graduated as a lawyer from MGSU (modern RSSU). In 2006 he became a candidate of economic sciences, and in 2008 - an Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation. Colleagues describe him as a specialist in social and pension issues, thoroughly versed in the little things of life.
