Authorisation Letter For Bank Statement Request Template for England and Wales

An Authorisation Letter For Bank Statement Request is a formal document that grants permission for a third party to access your bank statements on your behalf. The same letter is commonly used as a request letter for a bank statement on behalf of a company, where a director or authorised signatory asks the bank to release statements to an accountant, auditor, lender or agent. Under England and Wales law, this letter serves as evidence of consent, so banks can lawfully share financial information while maintaining compliance with data protection rules.

How do you write a request letter for a bank statement on behalf of a company?

A company request letter follows a standard business-letter format. Put the request on company letterhead where possible and include the date at the top. State the company name exactly as it appears on the account, the account number and sort code, and the statement period or specific dates you need. Name the authorised person or firm who will collect or receive the statements, explain the reason for the request, and confirm the format required, whether that is a posted paper copy, a branch collection or a PDF sent by secure email. The letter should be signed by a director or an authorised signatory whose authority the bank can verify, and it helps to give a contact name and contact number so the bank can confirm details before releasing the statements.

A short sample you can adapt

Address the letter to the branch or account manager and keep the tone courteous. A typical opening reads: "Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing on behalf of [Company Name] to request statements for account [number], sort code [sort code], covering the period [start date] to [end date]. Please release these statements to [authorised person or firm]. Thank you for your assistance, and please contact me on [number] to verify any details." Close with the signatory's name, role and signature. A clear, polite request bank statement letter helps the bank's management confirm authority quickly and release the records without delay.

What should the letter include?

• The date the letter is written.
• The company or account holder's full name and registered address.
• The account number and sort code the request relates to.
• The name and details of the authorised person or organisation receiving the statements.
• The exact statement dates or period required.
• The purpose of the request.
• The format required, such as a printed copy or a PDF.
• A signature from the account holder or an authorised company signatory.

When do you need this document?

You'll need this authorisation letter in various professional and personal situations. Common scenarios include authorising your accountant to obtain statements for tax preparation, allowing a solicitor to access financial records during property transactions, or permitting a financial advisor to review your banking history for investment planning. On the company side, businesses use it to give auditors access for year-end accounts, to satisfy a lender's request during a financing application, or to let a bookkeeper reconcile accounts. The document is also useful when applying for mortgages, loans, or business financing where the provider requires comprehensive financial verification, and during probate or HMRC matters where third-party representation is involved.

Company account holder or individual, what is the difference?

For an individual account, the account holder simply signs the letter authorising the named third party. For a company account, the person signing must have authority to act for the company, usually a director or a signatory registered on the bank mandate. Banks often verify company authority against their records and may ask for board approval or proof of the signatory's role before releasing statements. In both cases the letter needs the account details, the period requested and a clear statement of who is authorised.