All majors are today facing a review of small business lending following allegations of “unscrupulous” practices at the state-backed Royal Bank of Scotland
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will investigate the treatment of small firms after an explosive report earlier this week by businessman Lawrence Tomlinson.
The FCA said it would hire an independent person to review the accusations made against RBS in the report, with an appointment expected within the next week.
It could launch a full enforcement probe following the results of the review.
The regulator has also written to other major lenders “seeking confirmation that they are satisfied they do not engage in any of the poor practices” alleged in the report by Mr Tomlinson.
Its action also comes after a critical review of small business lending by former bank of England governor Sir Andrew Large, who was appointed by RBS to conduct an independent inquiry.
Mr Tomlinson’s report claimed he had uncovered a dossier of evidence alleging that RBS deliberately forced companies into default to seize their properties, while practices at other banks were also criticised.
Clive Adamson, director of supervision at the FCA, said: “These allegations, if proved, raise serious concerns about how banks treat their customers.
“An SME’s relationship with its bank is essential for any business to have a chance to succeed, and claims like the ones made threaten to undermine that.”
A spokesman for RBS said the group welcomed the FCA inquiry.
But he added: “As of now, no evidence has been produced that backs the claims of systematic fraud made this week.
“The claims have damaged RBS’s reputation and threaten to undermine our ability to build trust with customers and increase lending to UK business.
“We need to get to the facts as quickly as possible. That’s why we fully support the FCA’s work and will carry on with our own investigation.”
The FCA-commissioned investigation – which will be paid for by RBS – comes just days after the bank appointed law firm Clifford Chance to conduct an independent review into the Tomlinson allegations, as well as broader issues such as the banking culture. It will report by January 31.
In its letter to lenders, the FCA said that while commercial lending does not come under its rules, it expects firms to “act with integrity across all of their activities”.
It added: “The allegations in these reports gave the FCA concerns as to whether firms are treating their customers appropriately, in particular those in financial difficulties.
“This may indicate wider concerns in relation to governance and culture within firms.”