LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) - Banks in Britain will be forced to explain and delay any decision to close an account under new rules announced by the finance ministry on Thursday.
"The government has stepped in to address fears that banks are terminating accounts because they disagree with someone’s political beliefs," the Treasury said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the Financial Conduct Authority said it was talking to NatWest about the handling of Farage's accounts.
Under the new rules, banks will need to explain any closure and customers will be given more time - 90 days - to challenge a decision through the Financial Ombudsman Service, or find a replacement bank, the Treasury said.
Reporting by William James, Editing by Kylie MacLellanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Nigel Farage, Banks, Andrew Griffith, William James, Kylie MacLellan
Organizations:
Treasury, Financial, Authority, NatWest, Financial Ombudsman Service, Thomson
Locations:
Banks, Britain