In response to today's adoption by the European Parliament of the report into Equitable Life, the Chairman John Howard, said:

"We are looking at the report's findings in detail and will discuss these if appropriate with the FSA, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman. There are also broader issues of consumer rights across Europe and the handling of consumer complaints about financial services in different member states which we intend to follow up."

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES

1. The FSA established the independent Financial Services Consumer Panel in December 1998 to advise its Board on the interests and concerns of consumers and to report on the FSA’s performance in meeting its objectives. The Consumer Panel has statutory status.
   
   
2. The emphasis of the Panel’s work is on activities that are regulated by the FSA, although it may also look at the impact on consumers of activities outside but related to the FSA’s remit. More information about the Panel's work is available on this website.
   
   
3. The Consumer Panel brings together a wide range of relevant experience. This includes financial services regulation, working with vulnerable consumers, consumer protection, consumer education, front-line money advice, legal expertise, competition policy, public policy analysis, market research and media.
   
   
4. There are currently twelve members of the Panel as listed below.

John Howard (Chairman)
Adam Phillips (Vice Chairman)
Kay Blair
Michael Chapman
Stephen Crampton
Caroline Gardner
Jenny Hamilton
Tony Hetherington
Nick Lord
David Metz
Lindsey Rogerson
Carol Stewart