Banking risk: a new column for account holders caught in the crossfire
An email address (plus@ilsole24ore.com) for those who wish to share their experiences of the difficulties caused by bank mergers. You can also write to Plus24-Sole 24 Ore, Viale Sarca 223, Milan, to share your current concerns
Who is looking after the needs of bank account holders? Who are forced to drive for kilometres in search of a branch of their bank or even a cash machine? Fortunately, there are supervisory authorities such as the Competition Authority that have drawn up criteria to protect customers of banks involved in mergers: the so-called ‘customer catchment area’. Not to mention the inconvenience caused by the differing IT platforms of two institutions that are merging.
In the pages of Plus24, we have already reported on several occasions about the trials and tribulations of account holders without an IBAN or who are unable to withdraw money or make bank transfers, particularly during the transition to the new platform following the merger. This is a kind of purgatory that is now occurring with increasing frequency, given the major banking turmoil currently besieging Italia. We have therefore decided to launch a column entitled ‘Account Holders in Limbo’, which paints a picture of customers being treated like parcels to be shunted from one bank to another.
And he may well get angry, given that no one is offering him any compensation for these mishaps.
You can email us at plus@ilsole24ore.com or write to the Plus24-Sole24Ore Editorial Office, Viale Sarca 223, Milan, postcode 20126. Please include the name of the column – ‘Correntisti sballottati’ – in the subject line of your email or letter.
