The inquiry was initiated to address widespread concerns regarding the accessibility, quality, and future of banking services across Northern Ireland, particularly in light of branch closures, the rise of digital banking, and the impact on vulnerable customers, small businesses and voluntary and community organisations.
NICVA was among the organisations that submitted evidence to the Committee, highlighting the real and persistent challenges faced by voluntary and community groups in opening and maintaining bank accounts. For many in our sector, access to basic banking services remains a serious and unresolved issue, affecting their ability to operate and serve their communities.
We welcome this comprehensive and timely report. The Committee gathered evidence from banks, consumer advocates, business bodies, and the public -building a broad and balanced picture of the evolving banking landscape. The report offers a series of clear recommendations aimed at the Department of Finance, the financial sector, and other stakeholders, with the goal of creating a more accessible, fair, and inclusive banking system.
Read the full Committee report here: Inquiry into the Northern Ireland Banking and Financial Services Landscape
NICVA has been working on this issue for several years - engaging with the sector, banks, regulators, and government to advocate for improvements to banking services.
Read more about our ongoing work on banking access for the voluntary and community sector: Charity bank account challenges update
