After a FSPO ruling on a pension scheme trustees, the trustees can appeal to which body?

• A. The High Court.
• B. The Supreme Court.
• C. The Central Bank.
• D. The Pensions Authority.

Answer: (A)

When a decision is made by the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, a challenge to that ruling is taken to the High Court for judicial review. This is the process used to test the legality and fairness of the ombudsman’s decision, such as whether the decision followed the law, respected due process, or was irrational. The High Court reviews the decision rather than re-running the facts or substituting its own view of the merits.

The Supreme Court is not the starting point; it generally handles appeals on points of law after a High Court ruling, and only if leave to appeal is granted. The Central Bank and the Pensions Authority are regulatory bodies, not avenues for appealing an ombudsman’s determination.