About Us

The Hellenic Financial Ombudsman (HFO) was established on March 15, 1999, World Consumer Day, initially as the “Banking Ombudsman”. In June 2005, following the absorption of the Capital Market Ombudsman, it was established as a non-profit civil company with an expanded jurisdiction, as the “Banking and Investment Services Ombudsman.” In October 2018, the HFO launched its second area of activity, the provision of Support Services for Mediation under Law 4640/2019, by establishing HFMC. It was then renamed the “Hellenic Financial Ombudsman.” The following participate in the HFO’s (Ombudsman) procedure: banks – regular and associated members of the Hellenic Bank Association (HBA), members of the Hellenic Fund and Asset Management Association (HE.F.A.M.A.), members of the Association of Members of the Athens Stock Exchange (SMEXA) and a Credit Servicing Firm. The HFO participates in Working Groups of the responsible Ministries for the transposition of European legislation (e.g. Alternative Dispute Resolution, consumer credit, etc.), as well as for amending the existing legislative framework (e.g. Mediation). The HFO is a founding member of the FIN-NET (2001) and INFO Network (2007) financial mediator networks at European and international level, respectively.