Co-op’s Will-Writing Service Denies Client Over Russian Birthplace

A London resident has reported a troubling experience with the Co-op’s will-writing service, claiming discrimination based on her birthplace in Russia. The individual, identified as AK, sought to update a will originally created in 2020 that designated her partner and daughter as beneficiaries. After two months without follow-up, AK learned that her request had been cancelled due to her Russian origins, despite her dual British and German nationality.

AK moved to the UK as a child and renounced her Russian citizenship in 1999. When she followed up on her request, an adviser confirmed that she had no ties to Russia and scheduled a new appointment. However, on the day of the rescheduled meeting, she received no contact. Upon calling the service, she was informed that the appointment had been “erroneously” cancelled again because of her birthplace, with another appointment set for the following day. Although the call eventually took place, it ended abruptly within minutes.

The Co-op cited “specialist legal advice” as the basis for refusing service to anyone born in Russia, regardless of their current citizenship or connections. This policy aligns with stricter financial regulations that have emerged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have heightened scrutiny on individuals with ties to Russia. Legal professionals face serious penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years, for failing to comply with the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations.

In response to AK’s situation, the UK government has clarified that individuals not designated under sanctions are not prohibited from accessing financial and legal services. However, companies have discretion in determining their compliance strategies and client relationships. The UK Treasury emphasized that its regulations prioritize the current residency of a customer over their birthplace.

Despite the Co-op’s assertion that it would provide service if AK could prove her renunciation of Russian citizenship, the situation raises significant concerns about the fairness of denying service based on birthplace alone. AK expressed reluctance to provide such proof, arguing that citizenship alone does not justify the imposition of sanctions.

The Co-op explained its cautious approach, stating, “If breached, the Russia regulations hold serious consequences for a business and those it employs. We therefore must carry out the correct due diligence to ensure we comply with these rules.”

While the situation for AK is unfortunate, it reflects a broader trend among financial institutions and legal firms in the UK responding to sanctions linked to the ongoing conflict. Many organizations are adopting “no-risk” strategies to avoid potential liabilities.

The implications of this incident are significant, as they highlight the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding discrimination based on nationality in the context of legal and financial services. For individuals like AK, the challenge lies in navigating a system that may inadvertently penalize them for circumstances beyond their control.

For individuals experiencing similar issues, contacting consumer advocacy groups or legal experts may provide guidance. The Co-op’s current stance indicates that clients may need to provide additional documentation to access services, raising questions about the balance between compliance and fair treatment.