1. Introduction
This Dispute Resolution Policy (the “Policy”) establishes the formal framework for addressing disputes that remain unresolved after a Client has exhausted Bancara’s internal Complaints Procedure. Bancara is committed to the fair, transparent, and objective resolution of all disputes in accordance with applicable law, regulatory requirements, and the Bancara Terms and Conditions. This Policy outlines the escalation pathways available to Clients, while clarifying the jurisdiction-specific nature of external dispute resolution mechanisms.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:
- Applicable Law: All relevant laws, statutes, regulations, directives, rules, and guidance issued by governmental, regulatory, or self-regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction pertinent to Bancara’s operations or the client’s contractual relationship.
- Bancara: Refers to the specific Bancara entity or entities as defined in the Bancara Terms and Conditions.
- Client: The individual or legal entity that has entered into a contractual relationship with Bancara, as defined in the Bancara Terms and Conditions.
- Complaint: A formal expression of dissatisfaction, as defined in Bancara’s Complaints Procedure.
- Complainant: The Client who has submitted a Complaint, or their duly authorized representative.
- Dispute: An unresolved Complaint where the Complainant remains dissatisfied with Bancara’s Final Response issued under the Complaints Procedure, or where Bancara has failed to provide a Final Response within the stipulated timeframe.
- Disputant: The Client who is party to a Dispute, or their duly authorized representative.
- Final Response: A written communication from Bancara to the Complainant that concludes Bancara’s internal review of a Complaint, as defined in Bancara’s Complaints Procedure.
- Terms and Conditions (T&Cs): The Bancara Terms and Conditions, as amended from time to time, which govern the contractual relationship between Bancara and its clients.
3. Scope and Applicability
3.1 This Policy applies to all disputes between a Client and Bancara, provided the Client has first submitted a formal complaint and received a Final Response under the Complaints Procedure (or the maximum response timeframe has elapsed).
3.2 The specific rights, governing law, and dispute resolution forums available to a Client are strictly determined by the jurisdiction of the specific Bancara Contracting Entity with which the Client has entered into an agreement, as defined in Appendix A of the Terms and Conditions.
4. Internal Dispute Escalation (Senior Management Review)
4.1 If a client is dissatisfied with the Final Response provided by Bancara under the Complaints Procedure, they may request a further review of their Dispute by a member of Bancara’s senior management team. This internal escalation aims to provide a fresh, independent perspective on the Dispute and ensure that all aspects have been thoroughly considered at the highest internal level.
- Timeframe: The request must be submitted in writing within 14 days of receiving the Final Response.
- Process: The dispute will be escalated to a member of Bancara’s senior management who was not involved in the initial complaint investigation. The senior manager will conduct an independent review of the facts, the initial findings, and the Client’s representations.
- Final Internal Position: Bancara will issue a Final Internal Position in writing. This communication will represent Bancara’s definitive stance on the matter and will mark the conclusion of the internal dispute resolution process.
5. External Dispute Resolution
If a client remains dissatisfied with Bancara’s Final Internal Position, the Client may be entitled to refer their Dispute to an independent external body.
Important Disclosure on Jurisdiction: Clients explicitly acknowledge that access to external dispute resolution—such as financial ombudsman services, regulatory arbitration, or statutory compensation schemes—is not universally available. The availability of these mechanisms depends entirely on the regulatory status and jurisdiction of the Client’s specific Bancara Contracting Entity.
Where applicable, Bancara’s Final Internal Position will include the contact details for the relevant external dispute resolution body.
5.1 Ombudsman Services and Regulatory Authorities
In jurisdictions where Bancara is subject to the jurisdiction of a statutory financial ombudsman or a specific regulatory dispute-resolution framework, eligible Clients may refer their dispute to that body within the statutory time limits (typically within six months of receiving the Final Internal Position).
5.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Where mutually agreed upon in writing, or where required by the governing law of the Contracting Entity, the parties may agree to submit the dispute to mediation or binding arbitration.
5.3. Legal Proceedings
Subject to the exclusive jurisdiction clauses set out in the Terms and Conditions, a Client may pursue legal action in the competent courts of the Contracting Entity’s jurisdiction. Bancara expects that all internal dispute resolution mechanisms will be exhausted prior to the commencement of formal litigation.
6. Compliance, AML, and Sanctions Controls
6.1 Bancara’s ability to resolve disputes, including the processing of any financial redress, settlement payments, or account adjustments, is strictly subject to Bancara’s overriding legal and regulatory obligations.
6.2 Bancara reserves the right to delay, suspend, or withhold any dispute resolution action or payment if required to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), or international sanctions laws, or upon the instruction of a banking partner, payment processor, or regulatory authority. Bancara is not liable for any delays or losses arising from such compliance obligations.
6. Record Keeping and Confidentiality
6.1 Bancara will maintain comprehensive records of all escalated disputes, internal reviews, and external referrals for a minimum of seven years, or longer if required by applicable law.
6.2 All dispute resolution proceedings, including settlement negotiations, are strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties without Bancara’s prior written consent, except as required by law or a competent regulatory authority.
7. Policy Governance
7.1 This Dispute Resolution Policy will be subject to regular and systematic review by Bancara’s Legal and Compliance departments, at least annually, or more frequently as necessitated by changes in Applicable Law, regulatory guidance, internal policies, or business practices. Any amendments to this Policy will be communicated to Clients via Bancara’s website or other appropriate channels.
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: June 30, 2026