Now banks listen to us 

In January, UK Finance, representing the banking industry, published an article titled “UK lenders support country pursuit organisations”, acknowledging the issues the shooting sector has faced and outlining the improvements being made to banking services. 

BASC has been in discussion with UK Finance since last year about the various banking problems being reported to us by shooting clubs and businesses (News, 24 January 2024). UK Finance has informed us that many banks have developed additional internal controls when making decisions to withhold or withdraw products or services. 

Also, HM Treasury intends to bring forward legislation to ensure that customers receive a detailed and specific explanation when providers close their accounts, as well as a longer period of notice, unless certain exceptions apply, such as in financial crime situations. 

In September 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its recommendations that banks should not be denying nor terminating accounts on spurious or unfairly biased grounds or for discriminatory reasons. BASC provided evidence to the FCA, and the regulator was clear that it expected firms to ensure their decisions were based on reasonable and properly considered grounds. 

This was the culmination of a 12-month FCA banking services review sparked by Nigel Farage complaining and speaking out about his debanking experiences in June 2023. 

On the back of that media interest, BASC highlighted the unfair treatment experienced by family-run shooting businesses at the hands of certain banks in The Daily Telegraph and in interviews with the BBC and GB News. The sporting press, and Shooting Times in particular, was also most supportive. 

It has been six months since the FCA recommendations and until last week BASC had not received any reports of debanking incidents linked to shooting. While shooting clubs and businesses do not currently appear to be having any debanking issues, regulatory reforms are still needed to ensure fair treatment and greater transparency for customers. 

Neobanks 

All things considered, I think debanking is less likely now with the high street banks, but care is needed when setting up accounts with “neobanks”, especially for card payment machines. Many of these online-only financial service providers have restrictions on sales of firearms and ammunition, which may only be triggered down the line. 

I have heard of cases where providers have approved new accounts for shooting businesses, only for the service to be abruptly shut down weeks or months later. It is essential to read the small print before an application. If you need new card payment services, BASC works closely with Suresite Group, helping shooting businesses gain access to payment solutions including processing payments in store and online. Details on how to apply are on our website. 

If you are a shooting club, keep an eye on updates from your bank about charges and fees. Lloyds and Bank of Scotland have started charging clubs and societies monthly fees for community bank accounts. Their fee-free “treasurer’s account” option has also been withdrawn since 14 January 2025. 

The first I heard of it was a week ago when a neighbourhood forum I volunteer for started receiving invoices of £4.25 a month. Coincidentally, a game shooting club has also been in touch with me about this. So while things seem to be improving on the banking front, vigilance is needed and BASC is here to help.