Muslim Charities Forum Statement on HM Treasury’s New Measures to Address Debanking

Muslim Charities Forum welcomes HM Treasury’s recent announcement to introduce measures designed to protect charities from debanking. This is a step in the right direction and a long-overdue recognition of the barriers charities have faced in accessing fair and transparent banking services.

For over two decades, charities have faced increasing challenges with financial institutions, including sudden account closures, refusals to open accounts, and payment delays. Under the guise of “de-risking”, these issues have repeatedly hindered charities’ ability to deliver crucial services and have often exposed them to additional financial and operational risks.

While the new rules are a welcome development, they do not go far enough to provide adequate protection. This must be seen as a strong starting point, not a final solution.

Commenting on these changes, Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of Muslim Charities Forum, said: “These measures are a long-awaited acknowledgment of the issues charities face, and a positive development in protecting charities from unfair practices. However, we need to see stronger safeguards, including a legally binding right to a bank account for charities.”

Muslim Charities Forum remains committed to advocating for fair, transparent, and accountable banking services that empower charities to continue their essential work. We will continue to work with government, regulators, and the financial sector to ensure long-term, meaningful change.

For further details, please see: Charities welcome government plans for new debanking protections

Read our Debanking Research Report launched in January 2025: The Landscape of Debanking Within Muslim Charities and Its Impact On Charitable Activities – Muslim Charities Forum