13 October 2023 , 14:35
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Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader, has announced that he's opened a bank account with Lloyds after a fallout with his previous bank, Coutts.
The politician revealed that he had been "refused banking facilities" by ten other banks before finally finding a new home with Lloyds.
"After being refused banking facilities by ten other banks, my banking issues are now over," Mr Farage said in a statement posted on social media.
"I am pleased to say that Lloyd's bank have opened business and personal accounts for me."
He added: "It is good to see that at least one high street bank in this country is not politically prejudiced."
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"I will continue to go on fighting for the millions who have been treated so badly by the big banks."
Earlier this year, it was reported that Coutts Bank, part of the NatWest Group, planned to close Mr Farage's account.
An internal report about Mr Farage from the bank stated that its relationship with him would end once he paid off his mortgage.
As a customer, Mr Farage had been "below commercial criteria for some time", according to the report. It also highlighted potential reputational risks associated with the politician.
This story led to the departure of NatWest boss Dame Alison Rose, who left after it was revealed she had anonymously briefed a journalist about Mr Farage's situation after he had publicly expressed his anger at the bank.
The incident also triggered a review by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Preliminary findings indicate that there's no evidence to suggest that individuals have had their bank accounts shut down due to their political views.
However, the review did not include Mr Farage as his account with Coutts remained open.
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