Shail Singh is a seasoned professional in legal and financial services, whose career reflects a deep commitment to fairness, integrity, and consumer protection. With over 25 years of experience spanning top-tier law firms, regulatory bodies, and financial planning, Shail brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to his current role as Lead Ombudsman – Investments and Advice at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
After completing a combined Law/Science degree at the University of Melbourne in 1996, Shail began his legal career at Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst), where he honed his skills in a high-performance environment. His passion for public service led him to roles with Worksafe Victoria and the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria, where he contributed to regulatory oversight and legal counsel.
In 2005, Shail earned his Master of Laws, and in a bold career pivot in 2008, he transitioned into financial planning—driven by a desire to work more closely with individuals and their economic wellbeing. He completed his Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning in 2009 and joined the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) in 2010, marking the beginning of his journey in dispute resolution.
Key milestones have marked Shail’s leadership trajectory at AFCA:
- Appointed Ombudsman at AFCA’s launch in 2018.
- Promoted to Senior Ombudsman for Investments and Advice in 2021.
- Named Acting Lead Ombudsman in January 2022.
- Officially appointed Lead Ombudsman in May 2023.
Today, Shail leads AFCA’s work in resolving complex disputes across financial planning, derivatives, managed funds, timeshare, cryptocurrency, and stockbroking. His decade-long experience in dispute resolution, combined with his legal and financial expertise, makes him a trusted authority in navigating the intricacies of compliance and consumer fairness.
Known for his thoughtful approach and ability to bridge technical detail with practical insight, Shail is passionate about empowering compliance professionals to uphold standards and foster trust in financial services.
Join Shail to explore how dispute resolution can strengthen compliance culture and improve outcomes for all at the Brisbane Compliance Forum, Thursday, 6th November 2025. Places are limited. RSVP here.
Decision Maker profiles | Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
