NI Assembly Finance Committee Launches Report on Banking Services
Committee for Finance
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 23 September 2025
Reference: CfF01/25/26
Download the Committee Report as a PDF ( 55 pages 513KB)
The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Finance today launched its report on the provision of banking services in Northern Ireland. The report, which followed a comprehensive inquiry and call for evidence, was made public at an event at Parliament Buildings.
The inquiry was initiated to address widespread concerns regarding the accessibility, quality, and future of banking services across Northern Ireland, particularly in light of branch closures, the rise of digital banking, and the impact on vulnerable customers and small businesses. The Committee received a substantial volume of evidence from banks, financial institutions, business representatives, consumer advocacy groups, and members of the public. The findings of this detailed process provided a critical overview of the current banking landscape and offered a series of key recommendations for the Department of Finance, the banking sector, and other key stakeholders.
Chairperson Matthew O’Toole MLA and Deputy Chairperson Diane Forsythe MLA, said: “Our inquiry into banking services was a vital exercise in understanding the challenges faced by people and businesses across Northern Ireland. The evidence we received painted a clear picture of an evolving sector and highlighted a range of issues, from the decline of physical bank branches to the digital divide affecting many in our communities.
“This report is the culmination of months of diligent work, and we believe its recommendations are essential for ensuring a fair and accessible banking system for all.
“We were pleased to publicise our findings and engage with all parties to ensure our recommendations are acted upon for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.”
ENDS
Robbie Best
Deputy Communications and Digital Content Officer
