International money movement
If you received a closure notice, act inside the notice period: redirect incoming payments, note direct debits and standing orders, and export statements while you still have access.
Payment problems
The bank said no. Your business still needs an account.
UK banks decline and exit whole sectors as policy, often without saying which policy. There is a regulated alternative, and it isn’t offshore.
What’s actually happening
Banks run sector risk appetites: whole categories, from international money movement to anything a risk committee classes as higher-risk, are routinely declined at application, or exited later with a 60-day notice letter that cites nothing more specific than “commercial reasons”. It is de-risking economics, not a judgement on your business.
The regulated alternative is the e-money sector: FCA-authorised EMIs provide business accounts and named IBANs, safeguard funds under the FCA’s 2026 rules, and (critically) publish which sectors they serve.
What to do right now
Ask the bank for the specific reason in writing. They may not give one, but the paper trail helps your next application.
Gather your KYB pack once, properly: incorporation documents, ownership structure, licences, flow-of-funds description. Every serious provider will ask for the same set.
How the group helps
The group matches you with an institution that serves your sector on purpose: accounts and IBANs issued by FCA-authorised EMIs, with safeguarding explained plainly, typically responding within 24 hours.
Complex and specialist businesses are the network’s core: the underwriting conversation starts from your sector rather than ending at it.
How the group helps
An EMI account is not a bank account: no lending, no FSCS; instead, safeguarded funds under FCA rules. For most operating businesses that trade-off is fine, but we explain it honestly before you commit.
1DayTypical response timematched to a sector specialist, not a queue
Frequently asked questions
Policy and, sometimes, law: where AML suspicion is involved, explaining could constitute tipping-off. More often it is simply sector appetite the bank won’t debate.
EMIs must safeguard customer funds: ring-fenced from their own money, reconciled daily under the FCA’s 2026 regime, audited annually. Different protection from FSCS, honestly explained on our safeguarding page.
First response typically within 24 hours; account opening depends on the institution’s regulated onboarding and your documentation.
Check if we can help
Tell us what happened: sector, provider, timeline. You'll get an honest read on your options, typically within 24 hours.