1. Our Commitment to Customer Service
At [Company legal name], we are committed to providing excellent customer service and resolving any issues you may have promptly and fairly. We take all complaints seriously and aim to resolve them to your satisfaction.
This complaints procedure outlines how to submit a complaint, what to expect from us, and your options if you're not satisfied with our response.
2. What Constitutes a Complaint?
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction about our services, products, or the way we conduct business. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Service quality or delivery issues
- Communication problems or delays
- Billing or fee-related concerns
- Technical issues with our platform
- Disputes over investment transactions
- Privacy or data protection concerns
- Regulatory compliance issues
3. How to Submit a Complaint
3.1 Preferred Methods
We prefer complaints to be submitted through the following channels:
3.2 Information to Include
To help us resolve your complaint quickly, please provide:
- Your full name and contact information
- Your account number or reference (if applicable)
- A clear description of the issue
- When the problem occurred
- What you would like us to do to resolve it
- Any relevant documentation or evidence
4. Our Complaint Handling Process
4.1 Acknowledgment
We will acknowledge your complaint within 24 hours of receipt (excluding weekends and public holidays). This acknowledgment will include:
- Confirmation that we have received your complaint
- A unique reference number for tracking
- Contact details for the person handling your complaint
- Expected timeframe for resolution
4.2 Investigation and Resolution
We will investigate your complaint thoroughly and aim to provide a full response within 15 business days. During this time, we may:
- Request additional information from you
- Review relevant records and documentation
- Consult with relevant departments or third parties
- Conduct any necessary research or analysis
4.3 Response
Our response will include:
- A clear explanation of our findings
- Our decision on the complaint
- Any remedial action we will take
- Your right to escalate if dissatisfied
- Contact information for further assistance
5. Response Timeframes
5.1 Standard Complaints
Most complaints will be resolved within 15 business days of receipt.
5.2 Complex Complaints
For complex complaints that require extensive investigation, we may need up to 35 business days. If this is the case, we will:
- Notify you within 15 business days
- Explain why additional time is needed
- Provide regular updates on progress
- Give you a final response date
5.3 Urgent Complaints
For urgent complaints (e.g., security concerns, immediate financial impact), we will:
- Respond within 24 hours
- Provide immediate interim measures if appropriate
- Prioritize investigation and resolution
6. Escalation Process
6.1 Internal Escalation
If you're not satisfied with our initial response, you can request escalation to a senior manager. This request should be made within 30 days of receiving our response.
6.2 Senior Management Review
The senior manager will:
- Review your complaint and our initial response
- Conduct additional investigation if necessary
- Provide a final response within 15 business days
- Explain their decision and reasoning
7. External Dispute Resolution
7.1 Financial Ombudsman Service
If you remain dissatisfied after our internal process, you may be eligible to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or equivalent in your jurisdiction.
Financial Ombudsman Service:
Address: [FOS Address]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
Website: [FOS URL]
7.2 Eligibility and Time Limits
You can refer your complaint to the FOS if:
- We have provided a final response
- 8 weeks have passed since you submitted your complaint
- Your complaint relates to regulated financial services
7.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution
We may also participate in other alternative dispute resolution schemes, such as:
- Mediation services
- Arbitration programs
- Industry-specific ombudsman services
8. Regulatory Complaints
8.1 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
For complaints about regulatory compliance or conduct, you may contact:
Financial Conduct Authority:
Address: [FCA Address]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
Website: [FCA URL]
8.2 Data Protection Complaints
For privacy or data protection complaints, you may contact:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Address: [ICO Address]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
Website: [ICO URL]
9. Complaint Categories and Special Handling
9.1 Investment-Related Complaints
Complaints about investment performance, losses, or suitability are handled by our specialized investment complaints team, which includes:
- Qualified investment professionals
- Compliance specialists
- Legal advisors
- External consultants when necessary
9.2 Technical and Platform Complaints
Technical issues are escalated to our IT and platform teams, who will:
- Investigate the root cause
- Implement fixes and improvements
- Provide compensation if appropriate
- Update you on resolution progress
10. Compensation and Remedies
10.1 Types of Remedies
Depending on the nature of your complaint, we may offer:
- Financial compensation for losses
- Fee waivers or refunds
- Service improvements or corrections
- Apologies and explanations
- Training for our staff
10.2 Compensation Limits
Compensation is subject to:
- Regulatory requirements and limits
- Our internal policies and procedures
- Legal and contractual obligations
- Evidence of actual loss or damage
11. Complaint Prevention
11.1 Learning from Complaints
We use complaints to improve our services by:
- Identifying common issues and patterns
- Updating our processes and procedures
- Providing additional training to staff
- Implementing system improvements
11.2 Proactive Measures
We also take proactive steps to prevent complaints:
- Regular staff training and development
- Quality assurance and monitoring
- Customer feedback surveys
- Regular service reviews and updates
12. Contact Information
12.1 Complaints Department
Complaints Team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
Address: [Company Address]
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
12.2 Escalation Contacts
Senior Complaints Manager:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890
12.3 Regulatory Contacts
Compliance Department:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (234) 567-890