The FSA has appointed Caroline Gardiner, a director in the financial services practice at Deloitte to the Financial Services Consumer Panel, effective 1 July 2005. Also appointed were David Metz and Richard Taylor. They replace Yvonne Gallacher, who stood down at the end of May 2005 as well as Nick Pearson, Richard Smethurst and Dave Watts who stand down at the end of June, after completing their terms of office.

FSA Chairman, Callum McCarthy said:

"I am delighted that Caroline, David and Richard are joining the Panel. They and the existing members will continue to ensure that the Panel acts as a strong, independent consumer voice, which is essential to the FSA. I would also like to thank Yvonne, Nick, Richard and Dave for their dedication to the Panel over the last six years."

Biographies
Caroline Gardner is a Director in the Financial Services Advisory Team at Deloitte leading strategic, marketing and consumer projects across a wide range of financial services markets. Caroline has provided advice to the Government, trade and consumer bodies as well as to financial services providers and distributors. She recently sat on the Institute of Actuaries’ Equity Release Working Party. She has 20 years experience of understanding consumer dynamics in the financial services arena.

David Metz is a visiting professor at the Centre on Ageing & Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. David is a partner in the consultancy - Population Ageing Associates - and is the co-author of the book 'Older, Richer, Fitter: identifying the customer needs of Britain's ageing population' published by Age Concern Books. He is a non-executive director of Camden Primary Care Trust and a volunteer benefits advisor for Age Concern Islington.

Richard Taylor is currently the Head of Policy of SAOS (Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society) Limited which supports the development of co-operative businesses in rural Scotland. Richard's previous posts include Head of Research at the ABI, Deputy Chief Economist for the Royal Bank of Scotland and Economic Advisor at the OFT responsible for advising on all issues associated with the economics of consumer protection.

Ends

Notes to editors:
The full membership of the Consumer Panel from 1 July 2005 will be Ann Foster (Chairman), Dianne Hayter (Vice Chairman), Caroline Gardner, Harriet Hall, John Howard, Tony Hetherington, Stephen Locke, Nick Lord, David Metz, Adam Phillips, Paul Salvidge, Robert Skinner, Carol Stewart and Richard Taylor. Biographical details can be found on the Consumer Panel's website.

The Financial Services and Markets Act requires the FSA to establish a panel of persons to represent consumers as part of the arrangements it must make for consulting consumers on its general policies and practices. The Financial Services Consumer Panel was established by the FSA in December 1998, ahead of this legislation.

The Consumer Panel receives an annual budget and staff support from the FSA but is independent of the FSA in its views.

The FSA regulates the financial services industry and has four objectives under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: maintaining market confidence; promoting public understanding of the financial system; securing the appropriate degree of protection for consumers; and fighting financial crime.

The FSA aims to promote efficient, orderly and fair markets, help retail consumers achieve a fair deal and improve its business capability and effectiveness.

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the UK's fastest growing major business advisory firm based in 21 UK locations, with over 10,000 staff nationwide and fee income of £1,246 million in 2003/2004. It is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. For further information, visit our website at:
www.deloitte.com/uk/informationsecurity