Nigel Farage opens new bank account with Lloyds

The former Ukip leader said that his ‘banking issues are now over’.

August Graham
Friday 13 October 2023 10:19 EDT
Nigel Farage’s bank account caused the resignation of the bosses of both Coutts and NatWest Group (Victoria Jones/PA)
Nigel Farage’s bank account caused the resignation of the bosses of both Coutts and NatWest Group (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said on Friday that he has opened a bank account with Lloyds after falling out with his former bank Coutts.

The politician said that he had been “refused banking facilities” by 10 other banks before 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 (sic) 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.

“I will continue to go on fighting for the millions who have been treated so badly by the big banks.”

Earlier this year Mr Farage was told that Coutts Bank, which is part of NatWest Group, was planning to shut his account.

In an internal report about Mr Farage the bank had said that its relationship with him would come to an end when he paid off his mortgage.

As a customer, Mr Farage had been “below commercial criteria for some time”, the report said.

It also mentioned potential reputational risks of being associated with the politician.

It is a story which claimed the job 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 gone public and directed anger at the bank.

It also sparked a review by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Initial findings suggest there is no evidence that people have had their bank accounts closed because of their political beliefs.

The review did not include Mr Farage as his account with Coutts had not been closed.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in