RBS launches new investigation with external advisers into treatment of SMEs

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This new inquiry will run along a separate probe by City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority.

The FCA is investigating allegations that the bank pushed companies into its turnaround division, the Global Restructuring Group, so it could charge higher interest and fees and take over their assets.

A report published in 2013 by government adviser and entrepreneur Lawrence Tomlinson accused GRG of ‘killing off’ small firms for profit.

However these claims were rejected in a separate report by law firm Clifford Chance, which was appointed by RBS to carry out an internal inquiry.

Yet another report by former deputy Bank of England governor Sir Andrew Large concluded that the bank had failed its small business customers, but found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing.

Despite this, RBS bosses said Tomlinson’s accusations were the biggest blow to the bank’s reputation.

It is thought RBS is launching another review to ensure its responses to the FCA report are based on evidence gathered by an independent organisation, and are not swayed by efforts to protect its own reputation.