Sessional Ombudsman, Banking and Finance

Overview

This role involves a board-appointed, 3-year term appointment as a Sessional Ombudsman, Banking & Finance, working per-engagement and able to be performed fully remotely.

The position supports independent resolution of complex disputes in banking and finance, delivering fair and balanced outcomes that have genuine impact on consumers, small businesses, and the financial services sector.

Responsibilities

• Assist with complex and significant disputes within banking and finance
• Apply sound judgement and analyse complex legal issues
• Support the delivery of independent, fair, and balanced decisions
• Work collaboratively with experienced Ombudsmen, lawyers, and industry experts using specialist resources, research capability, and the dispute resolution framework
• Contribute to outcomes that maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality

Requirements

• Legal qualifications and substantial senior-level experience in banking and finance, a tribunal, regulator, external dispute resolution scheme, or a related environment
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal and commercial issues with credibility, pragmatism, and fairness
• Experience in areas such as:
  • banking regulation
  • Banking Codes of Practice
  • contract law
  • insolvency
  • securities
  • lending
  • dispute resolution
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, per-engagement environment
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to balance independence with collaboration
• Commitment to delivering fair, objective outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Accomplished senior lawyers, former Partners, barristers, executive legal leaders, and banking & finance professionals
• A strong track record of achievement

Compensation & Benefits

Not specified in the provided information.

Additional information provided includes:

• Gold AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing
• Additional and inclusive leave options, including:
  • Flexible public holidays
  • Gender affirmation leave
  • Women’s health leave
  • Bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period

Location

• Fully remote appointment (per-engagement)

Application Notes

• Applications are encouraged even if you do not meet every criterion.
• Accessibility support is available during the recruitment process.

About the Organization

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. Since 2018, it has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers (with the original team growing to over 1600 dedicated professionals).