About Us
PABO is a passionate advocacy organisation dedicated to fighting against discriminatory banking practices and advocating for fair treatment of customers.
Been debanked? Had an account closed? Not subject to criminal investigation? Had your monies withheld or frozen? We are on your side to fight back and redress the balance...
PABO UK supports individuals, small businesses and community groups who have been affected by bank account closures, frozen funds, blocked payments and poor communication from UK banks. We exist because too many people are left feeling powerless when their account is suddenly closed or their money is withheld without a clear explanation.
PABO UK helps clients respond properly. We review the situation, organise the evidence, prepare clear correspondence and support clients through the complaint and escalation process.
Led by Brett Ellis, MICA, an experienced advocate and compliance-trained professional. Brett holds the ICA Cert in Anti Money Laundering, awarded and is a Professional Member of the International Compliance Association. This gives PABO UK a strong understanding of the compliance pressures banks face, while also recognising the serious impact on customers when banking decisions are poorly explained, delayed or unfairly handled.
Our approach is simple: calm, professional, evidence-led advocacy for people who need help getting answers.
PABO: People against bank overreach
Our Beliefs
Fair treatment matters.
We believe individuals and businesses should be treated fairly, clearly and respectfully by their banks.
Banks have important legal and regulatory responsibilities. They must protect the financial system, prevent fraud and meet anti-money laundering obligations. But customers also deserve proper communication, reasonable timescales and a fair opportunity to explain their positions.
Access to banking is essential. A bank account is not a luxury. It is essential for work, business, family life and financial stability. When an account is closed, restricted or frozen without clear explanation, the impact can be serious. People can lose access to wages, savings, business funds, supplier payments and day-to-day living expenses.
We believe customers should not be left confused, ignored or powerless.
Banking disputes are stressful, but emotional complaints are often easy to dismiss. PABO UK believes the best response is calm, organised and evidence-led.
We help clients set out the facts, explain the impact, provide the right documents and pursue a fair outcome professionally.
Accountability matters. Banks should explain their decisions where they are able to do so, handle complaints properly and release funds within a reasonable timescale when there is no lawful reason to retain them.
Where customers have been treated poorly, we believe they have the right to challenge that treatment.
Our promise: PABO UK will be clear, honest and practical.
We will not promise guaranteed results.
We will not give false hope.
We will review each case carefully and help clients take the strongest possible next step.
People Against Bank Overreach: practical advocacy when banking goes wrong.
Our Team
Led by Brett Ellis, MICA, an experienced advocate, senior professional and compliance-trained practitioner. Brett holds an ICA Cert in Anti Money Laundering, and is a Professional Member of the International Compliance Association.
His background combines advocacy, case preparation, complaint handling, leadership, compliance awareness and professional communication. This gives PABO UK a clear understanding of both the pressure banks face to meet their regulatory duties and the serious impact on customers when accounts are closed, funds are frozen or communication breaks down.
A client-focused advocacy model: PABO UK is built around a simple principle: every client deserves a clear, organised and professional response when banking problems arise.
Cases are overseen directly by Brett, ensuring that clients receive consistent, focused and accountable support. As PABO UK grows, we will continue to develop a trusted network of associates, advisers and specialist support where this adds value to client cases.
Professional, practical and evidence-led: Our work is not about noise for the sake of noise. It is about preparing strong cases, organising evidence, asking the right questions and pursuing fair outcomes.
PABO UK supports clients with:
Account closure cases, Frozen or withheld funds, Business banking disputes, Complaint preparation, Evidence organisation, Escalation support and providing Clear communication with banks.
PABO UK is growing because more individuals and businesses are finding themselves affected by sudden banking decisions and poor communication
Our aim is to build a wider team while keeping the same core values: professionalism, honesty, persistence and practical support.
Every case matters.
Every client deserves to be heard.
Brett Ellis NPQH, ICA cert AML, Msc.
Founder
Join the Fight for Financial Justice
“PABO have been a beacon of hope for those affected by discriminatory banking practices. Their dedication to fighting for fair treatment and accountability in the banking sector is truly inspiring. I had my business account closed and £31,000 withheld for weeks on end, bringing me to the verge of collapse. PABO's intervention was enough to tip the balance and for that I will always be grateful.” - Zach Nguyen