Debanking in the shooting sector

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC will be submitting more evidence of debanking to the Financial Conduct Authority for its banking services review.

We have been focused on this from a trade perspective on account closures and rejected account applications and more examples of that would be most helpful but if anyone has evidence as a customer of stopped transactions for shooting related orders that would also be very useful.

For example, we had a case where RBS stopped a payment for an overseas deer stalking trip stating this was an illegal activity.

Whether its trade or customers please get in touch by PM or email me at conor.ogorman@basc.org.uk

 

[ColinJ]

Northall Clay Pigeon Club had their bank account closed simply because they are a ‘shooting’ club.
They are in Sussex, apologies I don’t know what bank it was.

 

[Jh1986]

Northall Clay Pigeon Club had their bank account closed simply because they are a ‘shooting’ club.
They are in Sussex, apologies I don’t know what bank it was.

Yep, doesn't say which bank they were with unfortunately

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Thanks @ColinJ and @Jh1986 we have that one covered.

 

[Tallguy]

How long until E J Churchill, Viking Arms, GMK or Purdey get debanked? There is a real business opportunity here for a bank that wants to attract in legitimate shooting and gun trade business to appoint someone to go out and get these accounts onboard.

 

[Dickie]

What needs to be done is to check when the debanking is for a little club or shoot yet the bank in question holds accounts for the like of Viking or GMK and then highlight the hypocrisy of the bank.
Then it could possibly be put down to a personal problem not a banking one.

 

[Stalker62]

If I buy another firearm, my wife....



...has threatened to take my chequebook off me...


...does this count?

 

[Donkey Basher]

BASC will be submitting more evidence of debanking to the Financial Conduct Authority for its banking services review.

We have been focused on this from a trade perspective on account closures and rejected account applications and more examples of that would be most helpful but if anyone has evidence as a customer of stopped transactions for shooting related orders that would also be very useful.

For example, we had a case where RBS stopped a payment for an overseas deer stalking trip stating this was an illegal activity.

Whether its trade or customers please get in touch by PM or email me at conor.ogorman@basc.org.uk

Interesting that RBS stopped a payment - my rifle club holds a number of accounts with them, the most recent of which were opened a matter of months ago. Like many things these days, I wonder if it’s more often the case that an individual or individuals are interpreting things to suit their personal views?

 

[Donkey Basher]

@Conor O'Gorman

Would it be possible for BASC to publish a list of those banks who are openly anti shooting as well as those who are happy to take the business so the shooting fraternity can vote with their feet?

I believe that Co-op are anti shooting & recall that MBNA were (do they still exist?) which I found very funny at the time I had a BASC credit card issued by MBNA

 

[Jh1986]

Chase bank have started in the UK. They're American so I'm surprised I didn't get a free gun and a burger when I signed up

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

@Conor O'Gorman

Would it be possible for BASC to publish a list of those banks who are openly anti shooting as well as those who are happy to take the business so the shooting fraternity can vote with their feet?

I believe that Co-op are anti shooting & recall that MBNA were (do they still exist?) which I found very funny at the time I had a BASC credit card issued by MBNA

We could do that for some of the card payment providers where their terms and conditions specifically exclude firearms related products - with the high street banks it is not so clear cut. The latest update is in Gun Trade News and in BASC members magazine but will get something online on BASC website soon.

The following article (which we had no input to) makes for an interesting outside view of our sector and debanking.

https://techround.co.uk/news/shooting-countryside-bank-accounts/

The following viewpoint from Washington Standard also interesting, again no input from us on this:

“Choke Point” By Any Other Name: U.K. Shooting Clubs, Gun Shops Allege “Debanking” - Guns in the News

Over ten years ago, the Obama Administration introduced “Operation Choke Point,” a program that used the concept of “reputational risk” to encourage banks and similar financial entities to reevaluate providing services to customers connected to “heightened risk” transactions and crime. Merchant...

gunsinthenews.com

 

[RJD]

@connor you should speak to Wise, they are very helpful (albeit a neo bank), could be a good intro for members, helped us and we operate in tricky sectors (regulated businesses, crypto, gaming etc)

 

[disco_ike]

Am I right thinking that Barclays are one of those that have withdrawn banking services.

 

[Ratcatcher]

I've a pest control company and I bank with the co-op, but then I've not long since poisoned rats in the house of a life long animal rights vegan activist, when it suits

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

@connor you should speak to Wise, they are very helpful (albeit a neo bank), could be a good intro for members, helped us and we operate in tricky sectors (regulated businesses, crypto, gaming etc)

Thanks, have looked into that and indeed had a case study recently it has been reported that they blocked a payment to a shooting related company citing that they do not permit transfers to companies involved with firearms or shooting.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Am I right thinking that Barclays are one of those that have withdrawn banking services.

Barclays are accepting new applications from shooting related businesses whilst at the same time debanking existing customers whether shooting businesses or shooting clubs.

 

[jall55]

BASC Bank ?
NGO Bank ?

 

[RJD]

Thanks, have looked into that and indeed had a case study recently it has been reported that they blocked a payment to a shooting related company citing that they do not permit transfers to companies involved with firearms or shooting.

Disappointing. Drop me a message I have a few EMi that could help and would be interested in a BASC partnership

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Disappointing. Drop me a message I have a few EMi that could help and would be interested in a BASC partnership

That's a kind offer and I will message you to explore that. The key thing both businesses and shooting clubs need is a bank account and most businesses and some clubs also need card payment services to process debit and credit card payments.

BASC does have a partnership for card payment services with Sure Site Group Ltd.

Suresite

BASC partners with Suresite Group to bring its members exclusive payment offers.

basc.org.uk

 

[Tallguy]

Several clubs have had their accounts shut by Barclays recently, apparently Lloyds are shooting club friendly. Vote with your feet…..and be prepared to be de-banked by Barclays. The BASC are running with a number of complaints about Barclays currently.