Account Suspended without any warning

<p>At 14:10 today, 13/03/2017 I received a an sms from Standard Bank indicating that my account is no longer FICA compliant and that I should come to the bank with my ID and proof of residence to update my FICA. At 17:28 I tried to fill up my car with petrol, only to find that my account has been suspended, without any form of notice that this was going to happen. I had to wait around with my 5 year old daughter who was frustrated and starving until around 6:45 for this to get sorted, for whom I couldn't even buy a little snack to eat while we waited for someone to come to our aid. When I finally managed to pay for my petrol and go home, I called Standard Bank and explained to the consultant what had happened (naturally this is now well after hours) and the consultant put me through to the FICA department, which was closed, and in my opinion Standrad Bank staff should be fully aware of. I called again and negotiated my way with the second consultant, who after holding me on the phone for 25m49s was able to unblock my account for a period of 48 hours only. </p> <p>How is it that Standard Bank has the right to bully me and prevent me to have access to my funds, withouth any notice whatsoever, and without requesting any information in the first place. Why does a bank have this kind of power in South Africa - this is my money. If only I was given some kind of advance notice accompanied by a deadline to comply with, I would have sorted this out over the weekend, without any delay. </p> <p> </p> <p>This is the kind of power no bank should have. Standard Bank, I am very disappointed with the terrible service and I will be sure to close my account.</p>