Cap. 555 Art. 14Appointment of Arbiter.

(1) The Minister shall appoint an Arbiter from among persons who appear to him to be qualified and suitable to be so appointed.

(2) A person shall be eligible for appointment as an Arbiter if he possesses the necessary expertise in consumer related issues in respect of financial services, including a general understanding of law.

(3) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as an Arbiter if he is:

(a) a Member of the House of Representatives or a Member of the European Parliament or a Mayor or a Councillor on a Local Council; or

(b) a public officer; or

(c) a member or employee of an agency, government entity or local authority; or

(d) a person convicted of any offence affecting public trust, or of an offence, other than an involuntary offence, which is punishable by imprisonment for a term of at least one year.

(4) The Arbiter shall not hold any position which is incompatible with the correct performance of his official duties, with his impartiality and independence, or with public confidence therein.

(5) The Arbiter shall declare to, and seek the approval of, the Minister to any positions, trusts or memberships which the Arbiter considers do not affect impartiality or independence and public confidence, and which it is desired to retain during his term of office.

(6) On appointment, an Arbiter shall take an oath of Oath of Office in the form hereunder:

"I ................................... swear/solemnly affirm that I shall perform my duties as Arbiter honestly, impartially, with due diligence, and without fear or favour according to law.".