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# COODA

Exposing Discriminatory Derisking. Defending Financial Access.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://cooda.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Hello world!](https://cooda.ca/2025/06/02/hello-world/) - Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

## Pages

- [Home](https://cooda.ca/) - The Canadian Observatory on De-banking Abuse (COODA) was founded to shine a light on a silent and often invisible injustice: the systemic exclusion of individuals and communities from financial services without due process, explanation, or recourse.
- [About](https://cooda.ca/about/) - About COODAThe Canadian Observatory on De-banking AbuseThe Canadian Observatory on De-banking Abuse (COODA) was founded to shine a light on a silent and often invisible injustice: the systemic exclusion of individuals and communities from financial services without due process, explanation, or recourse.What We Are DoingResearch & DocumentationWe are gathering data, case studies, and testimonials to
- [Privacy Policy](https://cooda.ca/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Suggested text: Our website address is: https://cooda.ca/ Comments Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a
- [Terms of Service](https://cooda.ca/terms-of-service/) - 1. Introduction Welcome to the website of the Canadian Observatory on De-banking Abuse (“COODA”, “we”, “us”, “our”) — accessible via cooda.ca (the “Website”). By accessing or using the Website, you agree to these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not accept these Terms, please do not use the Website. 2. Use of the Website 2.1. The
- [The Ecosystem Behind De-Risking](https://cooda.ca/the-ecosystem-behind-de-risking/) - The Ecosystem Behind De-banking in CanadaWhy Muslim-led and humanitarian charities are being shut out of the financial system — and who’s responsible.The Policy Ecosystem and Its Disproportionate Impact on Muslim CharitiesDe-banking isn’t caused by a single law or agency. It’s the result of a complex ecosystem where banks, regulators, intelligence agencies, and government departments interact
- [Systemic Discrimination In De-Risking](https://cooda.ca/systemic-discrimination-in-de-risking/) - Systemic Discrimination in De-RiskingWhy Muslim-led and humanitarian charities, and Racialized Communities Bear the Brunt of Financial Exclusion in CanadaA Hidden System with Unequal ImpactDe-banking in Canada often takes place with little public visibility — yet its consequences are far-reaching. Though intended as a risk management tool, it has disproportionately affected Muslim-led and humanitarian charities, racialized
- [History of De-Risking](https://cooda.ca/history-of-de-risking/) - What Is De-banking?De-banking is when a bank or financial institution decides to stop doing business with a person, charity, or company it sees as “too risky.” It happens without explanation, without warning to correct concerns, and without any proof of wrongdoing. Originally, this was meant to protect the financial system from money laundering and terrorist
- [Privacy Policy2](https://cooda.ca/privacy-policy2/) - Who we are Suggested text: Our website address is: https://cooda.ca/ Comments Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a
- [What To Do](https://cooda.ca/what-to-do/) - Know Your RightsThe Right to Ask WhyYou can and should request a written explanation from the bank or financial institutionThe Right to Access Financial DataYou have the right to request personal data held by financial institutions — including flagged activity or decision-making records.The Right to File a ComplaintEvery federally regulated bank must provide a complaint
- [Consequences And  Damages](https://cooda.ca/consequences-and-damages/) - Consequences and DamagesA form of exclusion with real-world harm.Derisking is not the action of a single rogue institution — it is a coordinated practice carried out by banks, government agencies, compliance firms, and financial regulators. These entities, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute to discriminatory financial exclusion through opaque systems and unchecked power.Personal Financial HarmFrozen or Closed
- [Reports](https://cooda.ca/reports/) - Reports on Bank De-riskingThe following reports present key evidence and analysis on the impact of bank de-risking worldwide. They document account closures, disrupted remittance flows, and the disproportionate challenges faced by Muslim communities, charities, and humanitarian organizations, underscoring the broader consequences for financial access and inclusion.ReportsAt the Intersection of Security and Regulation: Understanding the Drivers
- [Media and News](https://cooda.ca/media-and-news/) - Media and NewsPostmedia News | Toronto Sun | 2023Over 800 Canadian bank account holders ‘debanked’ since 2018: ReportCanadian banks are increasingly cutting off customers without clear explanation, a phenomenon known as “de-banking”. Under mounting pressure to prevent…Learn MorePat Foran | CTV News | 2025We are no longer in a position to continue our banking relationship
- [Your Rights](https://cooda.ca/your-rights/) - You Are Not Powerless. You Have RightsWhen banks shut down accounts or deny services based on vague "risk" labels, it can feel like you have no recourse. But even in the face of derisking, you have legal rights under Canadian law — and knowing them is the first step toward protecting yourself and holding institutions
- [What Is Derisking](https://cooda.ca/what-is-derisking/) - Understanding DeriskingThe Silent Shutdown of Financial AccessEvery day, individuals, charities, and entire communities are losing access to their bank accounts — not because of wrongdoing, but because of who they are or where they’re connected. This practice is called derisking — and it’s reshaping lives behind closed doors. No notice. No explanation. No appeal.What Does
- [Systemic Discrimination](https://cooda.ca/systemic-discrimination/) - Systemic Discrimination in Canada’s Financial SectorDiscrimination That Operates Through Everyday SystemsAcross Canada, individuals and organizations are losing access to essential banking services — not because of criminal activity or legal risk, but because of who they are, where they come from, or who they’re connected to. Derisking is more than a regulatory tactic. When applied
- [News](https://cooda.ca/news/)
- [Complicit Parties](https://cooda.ca/complicit-parties/) - Complicit PartiesWho Enables Derisking in Canada?Derisking is not the action of a single rogue institution — it is a coordinated practice carried out by banks, government agencies, compliance firms, and financial regulators. These entities, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute to discriminatory financial exclusion through opaque systems and unchecked power.Government BodiesFinancial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of
- [Advocacy](https://cooda.ca/advocacy/) - Advocacy Starts with YouDiscriminatory derisking thrives in silence. By taking action — big or small — you help expose injustice and demand accountability. Advocacy is not just for institutions. It’s for individuals, communities, and anyone who believes in fairness.Sign The PetitionPetitions are a simple yet powerful way to demonstrate public concern and push lawmakers or
- [Sample Page](https://cooda.ca/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger

## News

- [Over 800 Canadian bank account holders 'debanked' since 2018: Report](https://cooda.ca/news/over-800-canadian-bank-account-holders-debanked-since-2018-report/) - Canadian banks are increasingly cutting off customers without clear explanation, a phenomenon known as “de-banking”. Under mounting pressure to prevent financial crime, banks may close accounts or restrict services even when no wrongdoing is proven. Many Canadians are left scrambling — uncertain why the relationship ended, and with few formal avenues to challenge the decision.
- [We are no longer in a position to continue our banking relationship with you’: Ontario man dumped as bank client after 30 years](https://cooda.ca/news/we-are-no-longer-in-a-position-to-continue-our-banking-relationship-with-you-ontario-man-dumped-as-bank-client-after-30-years/) - This CTV News report highlights a growing trend in Canada where long-standing customers are receiving notices that their bank accounts will be closed, often without a clear explanation. While banks cite internal risk assessments and regulatory requirements, affected individuals can be left without clarity or a meaningful way to appeal the decision.
- [What happens when your bank dumps you](https://cooda.ca/news/what-happens-when-your-bank-dumps-you/) - The reality of being “de-banked” is more disruptive than most realize. Without warning or clear explanation, some Canadians are having their banking relationships severed. In the latest episode of The Decibel from The Globe and Mail, reporter Erica Alini explores how the banks’ risk-driven decisions to close accounts can leave individuals and businesses scrambling for
- [Money Monday: What is Debanking?](https://cooda.ca/news/money-monday-what-is-debanking/) - CTV heard from dozens who had experiences with something known as debanking. So, what is debanking? Could it happen to you and what should you do if it does?
- [Why banks are closing accounts without explanation, leaving Canadians scrambling](https://cooda.ca/news/why-banks-are-closing-accounts-without-explanation-leaving-canadians-scrambling/) - Canadian banks are increasingly cutting off customers without clear explanation, a phenomenon known as “de-banking”. Under mounting pressure to prevent financial crime, banks may close accounts or restrict services even when no wrongdoing is proven. Many Canadians are left scrambling — uncertain why the relationship ended, and with few formal avenues to challenge the decision.
- [Debanking is Ottawa’s quiet tool to crush dissent](https://cooda.ca/news/debanking-is-ottawas-quiet-tool-to-crush-dissent/) - Recent commentary has raised concerns about the use of account closures, or “debanking,” in situations where individuals have engaged in lawful activity but are still removed from the banking system without explanation. Some analysts argue that these decisions can be influenced by broader government, regulatory, or reputational considerations rather than clear evidence of wrongdoing.
- [Here’s why you could be ‘debanked’ by your financial institution](https://cooda.ca/news/heres-why-you-could-be-debanked-by-your-financial-institution/) - Media reports continue to surface about individuals and organizations being removed from the banking system without clear reason. While banks frame these decisions as risk management, customers rarely receive information about why they were flagged or how to challenge the decision. Debanking has become a growing concern for transparency, due process, and equitable access to
- [Untold Story of De-banking in Canada’s Muslim Community](https://cooda.ca/news/untold-story-of-de-banking-in-canadas-muslim-community/) - This article, likely reporting on the NCCM/Steven Zhou report, details multiple instances of Canadian banks closing accounts of lawful Muslim organizations on suspicion of terror financing. It discusses the impact of these closures on the affected organizations.
- [Blocked, delayed, shut down: How UK banks are failing Muslim charities](https://cooda.ca/news/blocked-delayed-shut-down-how-uk-banks-are-failing-muslim-charities/) - This article from Anadolu Agency reports that 42% of surveyed Muslim charities in the UK had their bank accounts shut down. It links these closures to structural Islamophobia and calls for stronger protections for these charities.
- [ Bank freezes accounts of Iranian-Canadians (reports TD Bank’s actions citing Iran sanctions, and community backlash over treating ordinary Iranians as sanctio)](https://cooda.ca/news/bank-freezes-accounts-of-iranian-canadians-reports-td-banks-actions-citing-iran-sanctions-and-community-backlash-over-treating-ordinary-iranians-as-sanctio/) - This article from Zamaneh Media reports on TD Bank freezing accounts of Iranian-Canadians, citing Iran sanctions. It also discusses the community backlash that followed due to the perception that ordinary Iranians were being treated as sanctioned individuals.
- [Britain proposes 'debanking' law after NatWest debacle](https://cooda.ca/news/britain-proposes-debanking-law-after-natwest-debacle/) - This Reuters article describes a proposed draft law in Britain that would require banks to provide a 90-day notice and a detailed explanation for account closures. This requirement would not apply in cases related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML).
- [Falling Behind on Combatting Terrorist Financing (outlines CRA’s disproportionate audits (12 of 14 charities revoked by CRA were Muslim-led) and lack of subsequent pr)](https://cooda.ca/news/falling-behind-on-combatting-terrorist-financing-outlines-cras-disproportionate-audits-12-of-14-charities-revoked-by-cra-were-muslim-led-and-lack-of-subsequent-pr/) - This Policy Options article by Khaled Al-Qazzaz discusses how Canada is falling behind its allies in combating terrorist financing. It specifically outlines the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) disproportionate audits of charities, noting that 12 out of 14 revoked charities were Muslim-led, and the lack of subsequent process.

## Reports

- [Financial Access for U.S. Nonprofits: How Federal Regulatory Obstacles Hinder Nonprofit Work Around the World](https://cooda.ca/report/financial-access-for-u-s-nonprofits-how-federal-regulatory-obstacles-hinder-nonprofit-work-around-the-world/) - This report highlights the significant financial access barriers faced by U.S.-based international charities due to de-risking practices by banks. Since the post-9/11 expansion of AML/CFT regulations, two-thirds of nonprofits surveyed report encountering delays, documentation burdens, increased fees, and account closures. These restrictions, driven by regulatory fears and inconsistent enforcement, often force charities into less transparent
- [At the Intersection of Security and Regulation: Understanding the Drivers of ‘De-Risking’ and the Impact on Civil Society Organizations](https://cooda.ca/report/at-the-intersection-of-security-and-regulation-understanding-the-drivers-of-de-risking-and-the-impact-on-civil-society-organizations/) - This joint 2018 report by HSC and ECNL investigates the impact of post-9/11 AML/CFT frameworks on nonprofit access to banking, especially among smaller NGOs in Brazil, Mexico, and Ireland. It finds that regulatory overreach, lack of clear guidance, and inconsistent application of rules have led banks to exit NPO relationships—a phenomenon known as de-risking. The
- [The impact of bank de-risking on the humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis](https://cooda.ca/report/the-impact-of-bank-de-risking-on-the-humanitarian-response-to-the-syrian-crisis/) - A report suggests that humanitarian organisations operating in Syria face significant challenges in moving money into the country. The principal challenges are with: moving money through the correspondent, banking system, the consequences of banks closing accounts; increased and inconsistent due diligence, requirements; increased transaction costs associated with international financial transactions; the interaction of CTF legislation
- [Understanding Bank De-risking and its Effects on Financial Inclusion](https://cooda.ca/report/understanding-bank-de-risking-and-its-effects-on-financial-inclusion/) - This report was one of the first comprehensive looks at de-risking. It defines de-risking as banks exiting relationships with and closing accounts of clients considered high risk. The report notes that this practice impacts money service businesses, foreign embassies, nonprofits, and correspondent banks in the US, UK, and Australia.
- [Whose risk? Bank de-risking and the politics of interpretation and vulnerability in the Middle East and North Africa](https://cooda.ca/report/whose-risk-bank-de-risking-and-the-politics-of-interpretation-and-vulnerability-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/) - This analysis, published by the ICRC, examines how Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures in conflict zones such as Somalia, Syria, and Yemen hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- [DE-RISKING BY BANKS IN EMERGING MARKETS – EFFECTS AND RESPONSES FOR TRADE.](https://cooda.ca/report/de-risking-by-banks-in-emerging-markets-effects-and-responses-for-trade/) - IFC report shows that heightened post-crisis regulatory requirements, including higher capital buffers under Basel III and stricter AML/CFT/KYC rules, have increased banks' compliance costs and risk exposure. This has led to "de-risking," where banks terminate or curtail correspondent banking relationships. The report highlights that this disproportionately harms smaller economies (notably in Africa, the Caribbean, and
- [Toward a Fair Deal for Muslim-Led Charities](https://cooda.ca/report/toward-a-fair-deal-for-muslim-led-charities/) - This commentary compares the experiences of Muslim-led charities in the US, UK, France, and Canada. It discusses the evolution of policies after 9/11 and how restrictions have expanded to other sectors.
- [Banking While Muslim](https://cooda.ca/report/banking-while-muslim/) - The ISPU produced data on the banking challenges faced by Muslims in the U.S. in 2022.
- [Under Layered Suspicion](https://cooda.ca/report/under-layered-suspicion/) - This report details how Muslim charities in Canada faced disproportionate audits and financial scrutiny.
- [Understanding Canadian-Somali Remittance Flows](https://cooda.ca/report/understanding-canadian-somali-remittance-flows/) - This report documents instances of Canadian banks closing numerous Somali Money Service Business (MSB) accounts, which disrupted remittance flows and highlighted a lack of data regarding de-risking practices.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://cooda.ca/category/uncategorized/)