Banking Redemption: Sterling Lawyers Recover over £100,000 for a Wronged Client, a Case Study

A client approached Sterling Lawyers after £100,000 of their lawfully earned savings was suddenly frozen without notice, leaving them unable to meet critical financial obligations, including mortgage payments and care expenses for their elderly mother. The situation worsened when other banking institutions terminated services, citing investigations flagged on the CIFAS database. The client approached our firm Sterling Lawyers for a legal solution to end this unjust experience.
Our client, a diligent professional with a proven track record and spotless financial history, was left in limbo when their funds were frozen at a moments notice. Without prior notice or valid justification, their account was flagged, triggering an internal chain of events within banking databases that in effect activated an investigation that spiraled out of control. The CIFAS database—a shared fraud prevention system—continued to list our client as under investigation as a cause of the initial banks suspension of their account, causing other banks to terminate their relationships with the client, leaving them effectively and ultimately unbanked, for over 4 months.
As the sole caregiver for their elderly mother, our client faced profound disruption. Deprived of access to their funds, they were unable to cover essential medical and daily living expenses. Forced to seek financial support from friends and colleagues, they found themselves in a position of helplessness and uncertainty at a time when stability was most needed.
At Sterling Lawyers, we strongly believe that no one should face such financial injustices suddenly, without any form of alternative provided by the bank institution suspending his monies. As we took on this case, Zuhair Mansour and Ilia Martynov, aimed to diligently find a solution urgently.
Our approach commenced with a detailed analysis of the supporting documents, including transfer histories and correspondence with the bank. Concurrently, we conducted a comprehensive review of the CIFAS database records. We engaged with the bank’s support team to seek the prompt release of the frozen funds, emphasising that the investigation was both unjustified and unduly prolonged. Despite our efforts, the bank’s representatives failed to adequately address the matter, and no resolution was reached.
Recognising the need to escalate the matter, we proceeded within the legal avenues available. A legally founded Pre-Action Protocol letter was issued, demanding the immediate release of the funds. This letter was supported by applicable case law, relevant facts specific to the circumstances, and a detailed analysis of the contractual obligations between our client and the bank, which demonstrated the bank’s breach of those provisions. The letter also outlined our intent to initiate litigation should the funds not be released promptly.
Following this intervention, the bank’s legal team reviewed the matter and acknowledged the unjustified withholding of the funds. Within ten working days, our client regained full access to their lawfully earned savings. Additionally, the other banking institutions that had suspended their services subsequently removed the sanctions and reinstated their services to our client.
Through detailed negotiations and leveraging all pre-litigation strategies, Sterling Lawyers achieved a remarkable outcome:
- The full amount of over £100,000 was retrieved and returned to our client within an impressive timeframe.
- All CIFAS database entries against our client were reviewed and amended, removing any unwarranted flags or restrictions.
- Banking relationships with other institutions were restored, allowing our client to resume their financial activities without further impediments.
To avoid falling victim to similar situations, consider the following tips:
- Familiarise yourself with the terms of your banking agreements and your rights under financial regulations.
- If you face unexplained restrictions, seek legal advice immediately to prevent escalation.
- Keep detailed records of all transactions and communications with financial institutions.
This case highlights the critical importance of having skilled legal representation when faced with complex banking disputes. Sterling Lawyers’s swift and strategic approach not only retrieved our client’s funds but also safeguarded their financial future and restored their reputation.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar issue, trust Sterling Lawyers to fight for your rights and ensure justice is served. With our dedication and expertise, we turn the tide against financial injustices.