Frozen accounts

Once the account holder has been notified, the bank may freeze the account, provided it has a valid reason, such as:

• Failure to submit required documentation. Anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations require banks to ask customers for the documentation needed to identify and monitor account holders and account transactions. If the account holder does not respond to a request for this documentation, the bank will be considered justified in freezing the account.
• Disagreements between account holders: If the account holders (or their heirs) give the bank contradictory instructions, the bank must take a neutral stance and avoid favouring any of the parties. If absolutely necessary, the bank may freeze the account, notifying the holders, until the parties reach an agreement or the court decides the matter.