Denied a Bank Account? You May Have Legal Rights
In the Netherlands, access to a basic bank account is not merely a convenience—it is often essential for participating in everyday life. If you have been refused a bank account or had your account closed unexpectedly, and you suspect discrimination, you may have strong legal grounds to challenge that decision.
Our firm specializes in cases at the intersection of financial law and anti-discrimination law, providing strategic legal support to individuals and businesses facing unjust exclusion from the financial system.
When Is a Bank Allowed to Refuse You?
Banks in the Netherlands are subject to strict regulatory obligations, including anti-money laundering laws (Wwft). This means they are allowed to refuse or terminate accounts under certain conditions, such as:
- Inability to verify your identity
- Concerns about financial crime risks
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
However, these obligations do not permit discrimination.
When Is a Bank Allowed to Refuse You?
A refusal may be unlawful if it is based—directly or indirectly—on factors such as:
- Nationality or ethnic background
- Religion or beliefs
- Name or perceived origin
- Political opinions
- Other protected characteristics under Dutch equality law
Discrimination in banking is often subtle and may be disguised as “risk-based decision-making.” We help uncover whether a bank’s justification is legitimate—or a pretext for unequal treatment.
Your Right to a Basic Bank Account
Under European and Dutch law, individuals legally residing in the EU generally have the right to a basic payment account. This right is especially important for:
- Expats and migrants
- Freelancers and entrepreneurs
- Individuals without a fixed income structure
If a bank denies you access without valid legal grounds, you may be entitled to legal remedies.
How We Can Help
We provide end-to-end legal assistance, including:
- Assessing whether the refusal is lawful
- Requesting and analyzing the bank’s justification
- Filing complaints with the Dutch Financial Services Complaints Institute (Kifid)
- Initiating proceedings before the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Our approach combines deep knowledge of financial regulation with expertise in discrimination law, ensuring a comprehensive and effective strategy.
Strategic Approach to Your Case
Every case is different, but we typically advise clients to:
- Obtain a written explanation from the bank
- File a formal complaint with the bank
- Escalate the matter to Kifid
- Seek a discrimination ruling where applicable
- Consider legal proceedings for damages or access enforcement
We guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected at every stage.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven experience in discrimination cases
- Strategic, results-driven litigation approach
- Clear communication and practical advice
We understand how impactful financial exclusion can be—and we are committed to holding institutions accountable.
Of Counsel
Cregor Janssen LL.M., CIPP/E is an experienced banking and finance lawyer with a focus on regulatory compliance, governance, and financial services in the Middle East and Europe. He advises boards, financial institutions, and fintechs on licensing, prudential supervision, conduct of business rules, and data protection, drawing on his combined legal and privacy qualifications. As of counsel, he brings extensive in-house and external counsel experience to complex cross‑border transactions and regulatory projects, including the design and implementation of compliance frameworks, product governance processes, and data privacy programs under EU and international standard.