The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has announced the appointment of David Locke as Chief Ombudsman and CEO.

The new one-stop dispute resolution service replaces the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), the Credit and Investments Ombudsman and the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal. It will start accepting new disputes from November 1.

Mr Locke is currently Assistant Commissioner Charity Services at the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission.

He was formerly executive director of charity services at the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and has worked as an adviser to several international governments. He is a qualified lawyer in the UK, where he started his career in community legal centres.

“David brings a very strong track record as an experienced senior leader involved in all aspects of establishing and operating complex legal and regulatory service-based organisations in Australia and UK,” AFCA Chairman Helen Coonan said.

“His appointment comes at a critical time in the formation of AFCA as the new single complaints body for the financial sector.”

Ms Coonan has thanked outgoing Chief Ombudsman Shane Tregillis, who served almost seven years in the role with FOS.

Mr Locke starts his new role next Monday.