Overview

• The Prosperity Institute launched an online effort to end debanking and invited people and firms to share their experiences.
• Campaign materials and a CityAM column by researcher James Graham spotlight practical harms, including SMEs being unable to operate when accounts are shut.
• Defence-focused small businesses are flagged as especially affected, with reports that about 75% have struggled to access basic banking services.
• The Financial Conduct Authority has reported that nearly half a million people had accounts closed in the past year.
• Industry body UK Finance says most closures relate to financial-crime or fraud concerns, incomplete customer due diligence, or dormancy, as banks follow legal requirements.