British banks simplify SME account opening process

A group of British banks have come together to simplify the account opening process for small businesses, working with trade body UK Finance on a checklist of details and documents firms will need for their applications.

A Competition & Markets Authority investigation into the retail banking market recently identified the account opening process as a barrier to switching for some small and medium-sized businesses.

In response, 18 business bank account providers have standardised the basic set of information that they require customers to provide when opening or switching an account.

Working with the banks, UK Finance has created an online guide, including a streamlined checklist, outlining the essential details and documents that most small businesses will need when applying to open an account.

Anne Pieckielon, director, product and strategy, Bacs, says: “said: “As operators of the Current Account Switch Service, we welcome today’s announcement and believe it is another important step towards simplifying the account opening and switching process.

“We know that small business owners are busy enough without the need to deal with further layers of time-consuming admin which, in many cases, could deter some from getting the very best deal from their business account.”