Thread: lost bank account details

I was wondering if anyone can help me on this one. In 2005 I came out to Panama from England to look at some land for sale. My Panamanian lawyers recommended that I open a bank account whilst over which I duly did putting in a nominal sum of $100. After I had returned to England the seller decided to withdraw and as it would have caused more problem than it was worth I did not repatriate the money. Since then I have not returned to Panama and during the course of time I lost details of the account/bank. Unfortunately I am now in the process of getting a divorce and my wife has raised the issue of this account and wants details of its contents. I have contacted my Panamanian lawyers who have informed me that they no longer have any details relating to my visit. I understand that the bank secrecy laws in Panama are very strict. Does anyone know if there is a procedure for tracing an account in this situation?

Thankyou

Most likely the account has been shut down. Most banks will start charging you a $10 to $20 "inactivity fee" every month if there's no transactions after 6 months. Once the money is gone -- they just close the accounts.

And I highly doubt that the banks would have records of that account at this point (5 years later).

Good luck with your wife!
Matt

Many thanks for that. Do you know if there is a banking website where this closing of the account/inactivity fee is written down as I will need concrete proof that this is the case?

Maybe you can call HSBC and ask for a "list of fees"... I think it's on there.

Buena suerte!
Matt