In Polish: Rzecznik Finansowy
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
The Financial Ombudsman (Rzecznik Finansowy) is a Polish state body that protects customers of financial institutions, including borrowers, in disputes with banks, insurers and intermediaries. It acts under the Act of 5 August 2015 on complaints handled by financial market entities and on the Financial Ombudsman. It helps after the complaint procedure at the bank has been exhausted.
What it means for you
If the bank rejects your complaint, you do not have to go straight to court. The Ombudsman can intervene with the bank free of charge or run an out-of-court procedure for PLN 50, in which the bank must take part. Without a prior complaint to the bank, the Ombudsman will refuse to start proceedings.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources
Frequently asked questions
How much does an application to the Financial Ombudsman cost?
An application for intervention is free. An application for out-of-court dispute resolution costs PLN 50, and the Ombudsman may waive the fee.
Can I go to the Financial Ombudsman without a complaint?
No. The Ombudsman will refuse to start proceedings if you have not exhausted the complaint procedure at the bank.
Is the Ombudsman's decision binding on the bank?
The Ombudsman does not issue judgments. It proposes a solution and may issue an opinion. Binding decisions are made by a court and, in disputes up to an amount limit, by the Banking Arbitrator at the Polish Bank Association (ZBP), whose ruling binds the bank.
Related terms
Definitions are simplified and reflect Polish law and bank practice as of October 2026. Where every word matters, the Act and your loan agreement decide. Figures in examples are indicative and are not a bank offer. The Polish version of each entry has worked examples and sources.
Other terms in “Institutions and experts”