Dame Alison Rose Apologizes to Nigel Farage and Orders Review of NatWest’s Account Closure Processes

The chief executive of NatWest Group, Dame Alison Rose, has issued an apology to Nigel Farage for the closure of his bank accounts. She has also directed an immediate review of the processes followed by NatWest’s subsidiary, Coutts.

In a letter seen by Sky News, Dame Alison expressed regret over “deeply inappropriate comments” found in internal NatWest documents regarding the former UKIP leader.

The letter revealed that NatWest had provided Mr. Farage with “alternative banking arrangements” and acknowledged the concerns raised by both him and the public regarding the lack of transparency in account closure processes. Dame Alison emphasized the importance of consistent decision-making, based on publicly available criteria, and the need for clear and open communication with customers within the boundaries of the law.

Dame Alison’s efforts to resolve the issue with Mr. Farage come after previous statements from NatWest citing client confidentiality rules as a limitation. The apology coincided with the Treasury’s publication of reforms, confirming a report by Sky News earlier in the week.

The newly introduced rules will require banks to provide customers with a 90-day notice before closing their accounts and offer a clear explanation for the decision.

Dame Alison stated that a review of Coutts’ processes would report directly to her. She emphasized her strong belief in freedom of expression and access to banking as fundamental aspects of society.

Mr. Farage had previously engaged in a public dispute with NatWest over the reasons behind the closure of his accounts. NatWest had unofficially suggested commercial reasons, while Mr. Farage claimed it was due to his political views.