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UK financial watchdog presses banks to enhance account gain access to

Britain's financial regulator on Wednesday asked monetary companies to evaluate their approach to account rejections and closures and ensure vulnerable customers and organisations such as charities and pawnbrokers aren't losing out.

In a brand-new report, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it recognised that banks, developing societies and payment companies were attempting to support clients to access accounts. The watchdog also stated it had actually also discovered no proof of accounts being closed due to lawfully expressed political opinions.

However, it has actually asked senior leaders to sign an attestation taking personal duty for making sure guidelines have actually been abided by which they are positive of their compliance, the FCA said.

NatWest was plunged into crisis in 2015 after a. damaging row with previous Brexit celebration leader Nigel Farage over a. decision to close his savings account with its private bank. Coutts.

The episode sparked a political reaction and ultimately. caused the departure of the bank's CEO Alison Rose, as well as. of Coutts' previous manager Peter Flavel.

The FCA likewise advised account providers to do more to support. those who want a checking account but do not have one - and advised. service providers that they should act in line with their responsibilities.

Organisations such as pawnbrokers, charities and the grownup. entertainment sector had experienced problems accessing accounts. and the FCA advised companies to have a clear, correctly considered. meaning of reputational risk.

We've seen examples of truly great practice-- with account. suppliers helping individuals gain access to an item important for monetary. addition-- however also areas where there is space for enhancement,. stated Sheldon Mills, the FCA's executive director of consumers. and competitors.

By sharing both, we want to achieve more constant. results, with people being aware of what accounts there are. that may be right for them, more support for the susceptible. and people not being denied access without excellent reason.

(source: Reuters)