Ex-head of British Army to lead Santander’s defence lending Banking The former head of the British Army is set to lead Santander’s bid to bolster its defence lending as the industry experiences soaring demand with nations upping spending. General Sir Patrick Sanders was the chief of the general staff from 2022 to 2024 in the British Army and is set to join the Spanish-headquartered bank [...]
The scandal of the defence start-ups getting debanked Opinion No one should be debanked – made effectively bankrupt – because of their political views, but when it’s done to start-ups vital to defence, it endangers us all, says James Graham Few knew what debanking was in the summer of 2023 when news emerged that Nigel Farage’s account had been shut down. His bank initially [...]
UK banks carry out sweeping branch closures as customers go digital Banking Some of the biggest traditional banks have shut more than one in three of their UK branches over the past five years as they turn away from the high street and dash to bulk up their digital offerings. Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows the number of bank, credit union and building [...]
Tougher anti-money laundering controls risk obstructing justice April 11, 2025 Amid calls for City law firms to apply tougher anti-money laundering controls, Ellen Gallagher argues that over-compliance risks limiting justice.
Sex workers are the forgotten victims of debanking September 10, 2024 Banks are systematically discriminating against sex workers and putting them at risk of doxxing, financial exploitation and violence, says Jessica Van Meir A new Financial Conduct Authority report has slipped out quietly, addressing concerns around debanking, and containing a pretty revolutionary admission. The City watchdog says banks are systematically denying or terminating accounts to adult entertainment businesses, [...]
Banks could do more to support debanking victims, FCA finds September 4, 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said banks could do more to support those who want an account, after finding that several providers could make it easier to apply for one. A new FCA report has urged banks to increase awareness of basic accounts that allow people to make and receive payments but do not [...]
FCA urges banks to improve treatment of politicians after Farage debanking row July 18, 2024 Over the last few months the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been reviewing the treatment of so-called politically exposed persons (PEPs) after the debanking brouhaha last year.
Dame Alison Rose takes first job since leaving Natwest after Nigel Farage debanking storm June 11, 2024 Dame Alison Rose has taken up her first job since leaving Natwest last year in the aftermath of the Nigel Farage debanking storm over his Coutts account.
Ex-Bank of England economist claims he was ‘debanked’ like Nigel Farage May 9, 2024 Ex-Bank of England economist Andy Haldane has said he was refused a bank account because of his "political" connections, comparing himself to Nigel Farage, as MPs criticise lenders for "debanking" individuals due to reputational concerns.
City regulator should force lenders to be more transparent on SME ‘debanking’, MPs urge May 8, 2024 An influential group of MPs has urged the City watchdog to force banks to be more transparent on why they "debank" businesses amid criticism that regulators and lenders are hamstringing growth and innovation among small firms.