National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO)

The National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) is the industry ombud that handles consumer complaints against credit providers, banks, and insurers. It began operating on 1 March 2024, formed by merging four former schemes: the Ombudsman for Banking Services, the Credit Ombud, the Long-term Insurance Ombud, and the Short-term Insurance Ombudsman. It runs a division for each of those four sectors. The service is free to consumers, and the NFO can investigate, mediate, and make rulings. Complain to your lender or bank first and give them a chance to resolve it — then escalate to the NFO with your reference numbers. Contact: 0860 800 900, WhatsApp 066 473 0157, [email protected], nfosa.co.za. Note that the FAIS Ombud, which deals with complaints about financial advice, remains a separate office.