How to Appeal a Business Lending Decision

Our Credit Appeals Process - who can apply?

Our Appeals process is designed to support SMEs* (including sole traders and farm enterprises) in Northern Ireland who may wish to apply for a review of a decision to decline an application for renewal of new or increased debt facilities.

How does it work?

In the event that your documented credit application is declined, then you are entitled to apply to our Business Credit Review Office who will undertake an independent and impartial review of the original decision.

Click here for eligibility information

* Business with annual turnover less than £25m.

Can I appeal a lending decision?

If you meet all the criteria detailed below you are able to appeal:

• You are an existing or prospective business customer with group turnover of less than £25m.
• Your requests for facilities were for trading business purposes. This includes loans, overdrafts, commercial cards, asset finance, trade finance and foreign exchange lines (includes increases and renewal of expired lines).
• Your lending request has been formally passed through the applicable credit sanctioning process.

What criteria rule a credit application ineligible for review?

• Where customers are managed by GRG (Global Restructuring Group), recoveries or managed by a specialist unit and demonstrably non viable.
• Where the application was for funding of residential and commercial properties for development or investment.
• An application that doesn't pass through a formal sanctioning process is subject to Senior Management review only.
• Where there have been covenant breaches leading to re-structuring or re-pricing of existing facilities.
• Where the customer application has not been supported by all the necessary information.
• The terms and conditions of an approved loan offer are not eligible for appeal.
• Where the application was declined due to adverse credit history or payment defaults.
• Vexatious appeals i.e. multiple appeals on the same case.
• Applications which would breach regulations e.g. Tax evasion, countries subject to UN Sanctions.

In the event that your documented credit application is declined, then you are entitled to apply to our Business Credit Review Office who will undertake an independent and impartial review of the original decision. Please check that you are eligible before you start the appeals process below.

How to complete the Ulster Bank Business Credit Review Borrower Application Form.

1. Print a copy of the attached application form.
2. All applicants must complete Sections 1, 2 and 3.
3. Farmers must complete Sections 1, 2, 3 AND Appendix A.
4. Please ensure you have filled in all sections and crossed one box in each section. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned.
5. Sign and date the form.
6. Gather and include any relevant supporting documentation.
7. The signed and dated application form should be returned with the supporting documentation by registered post to:
   
   The Credit Appeals Manager
   Ulster Bank Business Credit Review Office,
   BBRI Strategy Planning & Controls,
   2nd Floor Block D,
   Ulster Bank Group Centre
   Georges Quay
   Dublin 2

The Review Process

• Once your application is received and checked you will receive a notification acknowledging your request for an Appeal and providing you with a case number.
• If your application is not eligible for appeal you will be advised in writing within 3 working days of receipt by the Business Credit Review Office of your Appeal, stating the reasons why your application has been rejected.
• Your Relationship Manager and the Bank's Credit Department will be made aware of your Appeal Application, and the Business Credit Review Office will collate original customer documentation from these sources.
• When all documentation is collated, the Business Credit Review Office will contact you and validate the information received.
• The case is reviewed by an Appeals Panel independent of the original sanctioning process. The decision post review is advised to the Appellant within 28 days of receipt of the initial appeal application.

If you would like further information, please send us an email at creditappeals@ulsterbank.com.

Please do not email the Ulster Bank Business Credit Review Borrower Application Form to the above address. For security reasons, the application form and relevant support documentation need to be sent by registered post. For further details, see How to Apply.

Further Terms & Conditions may apply and can be discussed by contacting your local Relationship Manager.