Merciful Group’s purpose has always been to help people facing hardship. That purpose continues following litigation about Suncorp Bank’s decision to close the charity’s account. We are proud of the practical assistance our supporters have made possible, including work for families arriving from Gaza that was reported independently by ABC News and The Guardian.
The legal outcome must be stated accurately. In July 2025, the NSW Supreme Court dismissed Merciful Group’s challenge to the account closure. In August 2026, the NSW Court of Appeal dismissed Merciful Group’s appeal. The courts considered the bank’s contractual right to close an account in response to its assessment of risk. They did not make a finding that Merciful Group had engaged in money laundering or terrorism financing. Equally, the decisions did not require the bank to continue the relationship or to accept Merciful Group’s explanations for the transactions it questioned.
A fair assessment needs full information
The case brought attention to questions about how charitable funds were received, combined and transferred, including payments involving a third-party remitter. These are serious questions for any bank. We believe they should be addressed through records and direct engagement, with enough context to understand the humanitarian purpose of the transactions as well as their financial route.
Merciful Group does not ask a prospective banking partner to ignore its own obligations or risk assessment. We ask for the opportunity to present the organisation’s work and supporting information in full, answer specific questions and discuss what a workable banking relationship would require.
Looking ahead
Independent reporting on Merciful Group’s community response and the 2024 volunteer recognition show a meaningful side of the organisation’s work. Financial institutions also need operational information that a news story or award cannot supply. We understand the difference.
Our focus is on constructive conversations grounded in evidence. Merciful Group wants to continue helping people in need while building the clarity and confidence that lasting professional relationships require.