NatWest Group (formerly RBS) — Ethics Grade D

NatWest Group (formerly RBS) receives an overall ethics grade of D (32/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Financial Services. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 48
• privacy: 15
• consumer: 20
• environment: 55
• humanRights: 30

Documented incidents (3)

• Coutts Debanking Controversy (high, 2023) — The bank closed Nigel Farage’s account due to his political views, leading to a major privacy breach and the resignation of CEO Alison Rose. Internal documents revealed the decision was based on 'reputational risk' despite the client meeting financial criteria.
• Criminal Money Laundering Conviction (high, 2021) — NatWest was fined after pleading guilty to failing to prevent money laundering involving approximately £365 million deposited into a customer's account. This was the first time a UK bank faced criminal prosecution for such failings.
• GRG Small Business Misconduct (high, 2018) — The bank's Global Restructuring Group (GRG) was accused of systematically pushing viable small businesses into insolvency to seize their assets. Thousands of business owners claimed they were forced into financial ruin by the bank's tactics.

Documented good deeds

• Climate Transition Commitment — Committed to providing £100 billion in climate and sustainable funding and financing by the end of 2025.

Ethical alternatives

• Nationwide Building Society — A member-owned mutual organization with no external shareholders to prioritize over customers.