Another CIFAS removal success – Gherson successfully removes CIFAS maker in our client’s name

We are increasingly approached by individuals who have been adversely affected by a CIFAS marker in circumstances where they are adamant that there has been no wrongdoing or breach of the relevant Terms and Conditions.

In many such cases, the bank has also closed the individual’s bank accounts.

Individuals in these circumstances often seek advice on how to remove a wrongly applied CIFAS marker and, where appropriate, how to challenge the closure of their bank accounts.

In some scenarios, the CIFAS marker has been wrongly applied. Being placed in this unfair situation can have a hugely detrimental impact, given the wide-ranging, complex and adverse consequences a CIFAS marker can have on the individual.

We now discuss a further recent case in which, by making representations supported by evidence and within a short time frame, we were able to secure the removal of a CIFAS marker in our client’s name.

Another recent Gherson success

Gherson was recently approached by an individual who was adamant that a CIFAS marker recorded in his name had been wrongly applied and had documents to prove this.

Gherson swiftly took instructions and made representations, supported by evidence, to the financial institution that had imposed the CIFAS marker.

Shortly thereafter, the relevant financial institution confirmed that it had undertaken a further review, considered all information available, and removed the CIFAS marker “with immediate effect”.

This was another excellent result for one of our clients, who is now able to move on with his life unhindered by the imposition of a CIFAS marker and the devastating consequences such a marker can cause.

What can I do to try and challenge a wrongfully imposed CIFAS marker?

We are increasingly approached by individuals who feel that a financial institution has wrongfully imposed a CIFAS marker in their name.

If you have always acted in full compliance with the relevant bank account’s Terms and Conditions and all other applicable legal rules and regulations, then you should have a good basis to challenge the bank’s decision to apply a CIFAS marker.

A strong challenge will often involve demonstrating, through evidence, that you have not breached the bank’s Terms and Conditions or any rules and regulations, and that all transactions were at all times carried out in full compliance will all applicable laws and regulations.

In a previous blog, we examined what a CIFAS marker is, how to try and get it removed and what you can do if a CIFAS marker has been wrongfully imposed.

We have also recently explored challenging a crypto-related CIFAS Marker: what you can do.

NAVIGATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION-RELATED CHALLENGES

What can I do to try and challenge a wrong decision to close my personal and/or business bank account(s)?

In the meantime, we are often approached by individuals who have been “de-banked” in circumstances where they are adamant that they have always acted in full compliance with the relevant bank account’s Terms and Conditions and all other legal and applicable rules and regulations.

We have previously written about how other issues individuals may face, including account closures, are not limited to political figures in the UK and affect many thousands of lawful individual and business customers every year.  These cases have exposed the difficult balance many financial institutions and their individual and business customers must navigate to gain and maintain access to basic banking services.

To assist those whose accounts have been closed, Gherson’s Financial Crime, Investigations and Regulatory team have previously written blogs titled:

“Why has my bank account been closed?”

“Why has my business bank account been closed?”

“140,000 SMEs “de-banked” last year – why could I have been de-banked?”

“What are the proposed new laws aimed at preventing de-banking?”

“Why the proposed new laws to try and prevent de-banking do not go far enough”.

“Am I entitled to a basic bank account in the UK?”

“How to challenge crypto-related bank account closures”

“De-banking and crypto – will the landscape be positively changed by the introduction of new rules for both?”

Adverse information on compliance databases

We are also increasingly approached by individuals who feel that incorrect and/or inaccurate data about them stored in compliance databases is having an adverse effect on their relationship with financial institutions and are facing subsequent issues, such as bank account closures or difficulties in opening a bank account.

We have also written a series of blogs on a basic overview of the main functions of compliance databases such as World-Check and how you can correct information about yourself on such databases.

HOW GHERSON CAN ASSIST

Gherson’s Regulatory, White-Collar and Investigations team are highly experienced in advising what you can do if your bank freezes or closes your account.  This includes assisting you in submitting a request under data protection legislation, otherwise known as a Data Subject Access Request, to ascertain what information banks and other financial institutions may be holding on you and their decision making, and then analysing the response and assisting with any appropriate challenge.

If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog.  For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson.  Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2026