Senior managers to attest that bank accounts are not denied over political beliefs

Senior managers in retail banking are beingasked by the FCAto sign attestations that they have not "denied, suspended or terminated payment accounts" to customers because of their political beliefs or other views that are lawfully expressed.

By Neasa MacErlean

The move follows a review by the regulator that examined account availability for individuals but also looked at the issue of reputational risk and how it affected banking outcomes for small organisations including charities and the adult entertainment sector. Firms are now being asked to review their overall approach to account denials and closures - including the operation of basic bank accounts.