About Us
Independent. Impartial. Trusted.
The Investment Funds Ombudsman Service has served investors and the German fund industry for over three decades, providing a neutral forum for dispute resolution.
Our Mission
Fair Resolution for Every Investor
The Investment Funds Ombudsman Service (Ombudsstelle Investmentfonds) was established to provide individual investors with accessible, effective recourse when disputes arise with investment management companies.
Operating under the auspices of the BVI (Bundesverband Investment und Asset Management), the ombudsman office functions as an independent body entirely separate from the association's commercial activities and member interests.
Our ombudspersons are experienced legal professionals who examine each case on its merits, applying German investment law, European regulatory requirements, and established principles of fair dealing.
Core Principles
What Guides Our Work
Every case we handle is governed by a clear set of values that protect both investors and the integrity of the process.
Independence
Our ombudspersons are appointed for fixed terms and cannot be removed by either investors or fund companies. They operate free from any conflicts of interest.
Transparency
All procedural rules, eligibility criteria, and decision frameworks are published and freely accessible. There are no hidden criteria governing our decisions.
Confidentiality
All submissions, evidence, and deliberations are treated with strict confidentiality. We do not disclose case details to third parties except where required by law.
Accessibility
The service is free of charge to investors and requires no legal representation. We are committed to ensuring that access to fair resolution is not limited by financial means.
Legal Grounding
We operate in strict accordance with the EU Directive on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR Directive 2013/11/EU) and German implementing legislation.
Accountability
We publish annual activity reports detailing the number and types of complaints received, case outcomes, and procedural developments to ensure full public accountability.
Legal Framework
Operating Within a Robust Regulatory Structure
The ombudsman procedure for investment funds is anchored in the German Capital Investment Code (Kapitalanlagegesetzbuch, KAGB) and the Retail Investor Protection Act. These statutory foundations guarantee the binding force of ombudsman recommendations in qualifying cases.
We are recognised by the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz) as a certified alternative dispute resolution entity under the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG).
Participation in our scheme is a membership obligation for all BVI member companies, ensuring broad coverage across the German retail and institutional investment fund market.
Ready to Proceed?
We Are Here to Help You
If you have an unresolved complaint with an investment fund company, our office is ready to assist. Contact us to learn whether your case falls within our jurisdiction.
Contact Our Office