The question of how financial services should he regulated in the interests of consumers has never been more topical. The structure of the financial services industry is changing rapidly and the need for the law to keep pace with these changes has never been greater. This hook examines the role of the law in the protection of the consumer, in particular the ways in which the law is, and could be, used to protect consumers when purchasing financial services. A prominent panel of contributors first examines the role of the European Union and the ombudsmen schemes operating in the United Kingdom in improving consumer protection. Eight expert papers present a detailed analysis of aspects of the various legal mechanisms protecting consumers in the banking, financial services, investments and insurance industries. The final part of the book is concerned with the important controversial area of consumer credit.This unique work is a welcome contribution to a rapidly developing area of law, which has so far received little attention from commentators. It will be of great interest to those at the cutting edge of banking, financial services and consumer law, whether practising lawyers or in-house counsel, and all those involved in advising consumers.