Thousands face loss of UK bank accounts post-Brexit


Thousands of UK expats living in Europe could have their bank accounts closed if Brexit plans go ahead.
Major banks sent letters to UK customers who were living in the European Union warning them their services may be closed unless they have a UK address.
This would be because, post-Brexit, it would be illegal for UK banks to service British customers living in the EU without applying for new banking licences.
Previously, a service known as ‘passporting’ allowed UK banks to operate in the European Economic Area (EEA) as member countries were all bound by the same regulatory framework.
The UK had legislated that customers with EU bank accounts living in the UK would retain access to their accounts but this would not apply the other way round.
Nigel Green, chief executive of financial advisory group deVere, described the move as “outrageously failing” clients.
“The move by these banks will be a major inconvenience to many tens of thousands of Brits living in the EU.”
“Once again, traditional banks are outrageously failing their clients who now need to take urgent steps to continue to be able to access, use, and manage their money.”
Instead, people would need to seek an organisation which already operates in the European Union. a
Recommended for you
A financial advice firm has been penalised $11 million in the Federal Court for providing ‘cookie cutter advice’ to its clients and breaching conflicted remuneration rules.
Insignia Financial has experienced total quarterly net outflows of $1.8 billion as a result of client rebalancing, while its multi-asset flows halved from the prior quarter.
Prime Financial is looking to shed its “sleeping giant” reputation with larger M&A transactions going forward, having agreed to acquire research firm Lincoln Indicators.
An affiliate of Pinnacle Investment Management has expanded its reach with a London office as the fund manager seeks to grow its overseas distribution into the UK and Europe.