- Queries related to relevant facts are dominant, as this is the category with the highest impact on stock prices
- The number of claims filed fell in 2014 to a record low, in this way continuing the progressive decline seen over the years
- Two out of three claims have ended in agreement while the rest fall outside the remit of the Ombudsman
"It is worth noting the significant rise in requests for information concerning the custody fees charged to investors for securities excluded from trading that are inactive," stressed Carlos Fernández, Madrid Stock Exchange Ombudsman, during the presentation of the 2014 Report.
As regards the informative function, the retail investor is the main inquirer, representing 83% of the total. The percentage is 4% higher than in the previous year and the highest since the creation of the Ombudsman. Financial institutions and public administrations contribute to this, as they refer retail investors to the Ombudsman because they consider it a quick and neutral source of information.
"In this regard, the Ombudsman is the most suitable channel to provide retail investors with clear and timely responses to their inquiries," said Carlos Fernández.
As for the investor protection function, in 2014 there was a marked decline in the number of claims processed, six in total, none of which resulted in a report as they did not involve any mediation function. Of all the claims processed, 67% ended in agreement between the parties and 33% were declared not to be within the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
