Financial inclusion is key to economic growth, yet many banks and financial institutions are choosing to de-risk by suspending services to entire sections of the business population. While there are many reasons for derisking, cost is undoubtedly a factor, yet de-risking potentially endangers the stability of the financial system.

James Swenson, Head of Enhanced Due Diligence and Screening Services, Thomson Reuters, chats to Ibtissem Lassoued, Partner – Financial Crime, Al Tamimi & Co, about the extent of the problem of de-risking in MENA and what regulators are doing about it.