Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
The Final Response Letter (FRL) under DISP 1.6 must be issued within 8 weeks. Its date starts the strict 6-month FOS deadline. Miss it and the FOS cannot accept your case. Identify the FRL immediately and diarise the 5-month warning date.
What Is a Final Response Letter and Why Does the Date Matter?
Direct answer
What is a Final Response Letter and what does it trigger?
A Final Response Letter (DISP 1.6) is the firm's formal final position on your complaint, issued within 8 weeks. Its date starts the strict 6-month FOS referral deadline. Miss this deadline and the FOS cannot accept your case. Always note and diarise the FRL date immediately.
FCA Handbook - DISP 1.6.4R - Verbatim Rule Text Source: handbook.fca.org.uk
A respondent must, in a final response, address all points raised in the complaint, offer any remediation the respondent considers appropriate, and inform the complainant that they may refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service within 6 months of the date of the final response.
Identify the Final Response Letter
It typically says 'Final Response' or 'Our final decision on your complaint'. Note the date.
Check it contains all required elements
Summarises complaint, firm's view, redress offer (if any), and FOS referral rights within 6 months.
Diarise the 6-month FOS deadline immediately
Add a calendar reminder for 5 months after the FRL date.
Decide whether to accept or escalate
Accept if fair redress is offered. Refer to FOS within 6 months if rejected or insufficient.
Do not continue negotiating beyond 6 months without escalating
Continued dialogue does not pause the 6-month FOS deadline.
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Final Response Letter from a financial firm?
A Final Response Letter (FRL) is the written response a financial firm must issue to a customer complaint under DISP 1.6 within 8 weeks. It must summarise the complaint, state whether it is upheld or rejected, explain the firm's reasons, make any redress offer, and inform the customer of the right to refer to the FOS within 6 months of the FRL date.
What must a Final Response Letter include under FCA rules?
Under DISP 1.6.4, a Final Response Letter must: summarise the complaint, state whether the firm accepts it, explain the firm's view, make any redress offer, and inform the customer of the right to refer to the FOS within 6 months. Omitting these elements means the letter may not qualify as a valid FRL.
What if the firm rejects my complaint in the Final Response Letter?
A firm can send a Final Response Letter rejecting the complaint with no redress. This is still a valid FRL. The key effect is to trigger the 6-month FOS deadline. Whether or not redress is offered, if you receive a Final Response Letter, you have 6 months to refer to the FOS.
Can a firm withdraw a Final Response Letter?
No. Once issued, it is the firm's final position. The firm can offer additional redress after the FRL but cannot withdraw or amend the FRL in a way that resets the 6-month FOS deadline.
What is the difference between a holding response and a Final Response Letter?
A holding response acknowledges your complaint and advises more time is needed. It is not a Final Response Letter. The 6-month FOS deadline only starts from the actual Final Response Letter date. Many firms issue holding responses at 4 weeks before issuing the FRL at or before 8 weeks.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
