Bank Galicia customers in Argentina complained about account closures without warning

Customers noticed the problems on October 28–29: their accounts stopped appearing in the Galicia app. Some of those affected say they cannot open a new account, and can only withdraw money at bank branches.

According to customers, the blocks also affected the salary accounts of people who work at local companies. The special Telegram chat for those affected already has more than 400 participants.

Bank employees, customers claim, explained the account closures as a “commercial decision” by Galicia, but did not specify what it was related to or what criteria it was based on. The bank has not officially commented on the situation yet.

Chat participants note that the restrictions did not affect all customers connected to Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus: some Russian citizens still have access to accounts in Galicia. Those affected are also discussing preparing a class-action lawsuit.

Customers who were hit by the blocks suggested that Galicia may have made such a decision amid its merger with the local branch of HSBC, one of the world’s largest financial conglomerates. Galicia is a private lending institution that is considered popular among foreigners.

Sources

• Material: meduza.io