Law Firm Finds 'Serious Failings' in Treatment by NatWest

Nigel Farage has criticized the review conducted by law firm Travers Smith regarding his debanking by Coutts, calling it a whitewash. Although the firm acknowledged "serious failings" in his treatment by NatWest, it concluded that the decision to close his account was lawful and based on commercial reasons rather than political opinions.

Farage Dismisses Review as a 'Whitewash'

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the report, the former UKIP leader stated that the review had whitewashed the decision. Farage criticized Travers Smith for taking a vague stance on the matter and found it laughable that they argued his political views were not a political decision in themselves.

Documents Show Coutts Staff Critiquing Farage's Political Views

Farage had obtained documents that revealed Coutts staff criticizing his political opinions. However, the report downplayed the leaking of his personal information to the BBC by then-NatWest chief Dame Alison Rose. The law firm stated that she mistakenly believed Farage had publicly confirmed his account with Coutts.

Commercial Viability and Reputational Risk

The review concluded that Coutts considered its relationship with Farage to be commercially unviable, leading to the decision to close his account. It also mentioned that his public statements on various issues, including the environment, race, gender, and migration, posed a reputational risk and did not align with the group's purpose.

NatWest Apologizes for Treatment

NatWest's chairman, Sir Howard Davies, apologized for the treatment Farage received, stating that his experience fell short of the standards expected from any customer.