How a bank brought SMEs to the edge

A scathing report by the UK’s Treasury Committee into the way RBS treated small firms highlights the need for greater competition and tougher regulatory controls, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

Owners of small businesses endured a torrid time during the crash and many went under, with resulting hardship to employer and employee alike. Indeed, some lost their shirts.

The banks did not cover themselves in glory in their handling of distressed cases.