27 Nov 2009

Don't be pressured over ANZ offer, says ombudsman

9:15 am on 27 November 2009

The Banking Ombudsman is telling investors in two failed funds sold by the ANZ National Bank, who've been offered compensation, they're unlikely to lose out if they complain.

ANZ offered the compensation in June, in addition to an offer from fund manager ING, of between 60 cents and 62 cents in the dollar.

More than 1200 fund holders applied for the compensation, and the bank has been assessing their applications and sending out individual offers.

Banking Ombudsman Deborah Battell says a number of investors have contacted her office saying they feel pressured by a 21-day deadline to accept ANZ's offer.

Ms Battell says investors have the right to ask her office to assess the offer.

She says if her office finds it should have been higher, then the recommendation will be binding on ANZ, irrespective of the deadline.