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Bank wants to close my account due to "risk appetite" — can I contest this?

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I'm Shikha from Egypt. My UAE business bank has informed me that they want to close my account because it no longer fits their "risk appetite." My transactions are genuine, and I haven't violated any banking rules. Can I challenge this decision or ask the bank to reconsider?


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Banks in the UAE have the right to review their client portfolio and change their internal risk policies over time. So, if a bank decides that your business no longer fits its risk profile, it can choose to end the banking relationship. However, that doesn't mean you have no options.

The first thing I always suggest is to understand why the decision was made. If it's purely a commercial "risk appetite" decision, banks are generally not obligated to continue the relationship. But they should still follow the correct process.

Before taking any further steps, make sure you:

  • Read the closure notice carefully and check whether the bank has given the required notice period.
  • Request a written explanation if the reason provided is unclear.
  • Download your account statements and transfer your funds to another bank before the business bank account is closed.
  • Update your customers, suppliers, payroll, and any standing instructions linked to that account.

If you believe the bank has not followed the proper procedure or has handled the closure unfairly, raise a formal complaint with the bank first. If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate it to Sanadak, the UAE's financial ombudsman, or approach the Central Bank of the UAE if there has been a procedural violation.

One important point to remember is that if the closure is connected to anti-money laundering (AML) concerns or a regulatory investigation, banks may not be able to disclose the exact reason due to legal confidentiality requirements.

In many cases, rather than trying to force a bank to reopen an account, it's more practical to understand the underlying concern, address any compliance gaps if they exist, and begin the onboarding process with another bank whose risk policy better aligns with your business activity.

 


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