3VB’s Finance Column: Ian McDonald writes for Practical Law on a bank’s duty of confidentiality

In a new article for Practical Law, Ian McDonald examines the enduring principle of banking confidentiality established in Tournier v. National Provincial and Union Bank of England [1924] 1 KB 461 and considers the significant expansion of the disclosure by “compulsion of law” exception. The column explores whether this exception now dominates the day-to-day operation of banking, examining its interaction with modern legislation and outlining the practical implications for banks and their advisers.

Ian specialises in commercial litigation, international arbitration, public international law, and private international law. He is recognised as a leading junior in the Legal 500 (2026) for commercial litigation, international arbitration, and public international law.

Read the full article here: A Bank’s Duty of Confidentiality: An Expanding Exception, an Enduring Rule.

This article was first published by Practical Law in July 2026.