The launch of ICAN’s Prison ID Report highlighted the important role identification plays in helping people leaving custody access services, return to community and rebuild their lives. Alongside this work, ICAN continues to work with banks and Queensland Corrective Services to improve access to banking for people in custody.
Over recent years, collaboration between ICAN, correctional centres and the banking sector have helped drive practical improvements in prison banking, making it easier for people to receive money into their prison trust account, stop direct debits and secure their accounts. But as some long-standing barriers are addressed, new challenges are becoming more visible.
ICAN is increasingly seeing issues relating to opening bank accounts, accessing funds after release, bank identity verification requirements, and third-party banking arrangements. These challenges can prevent people from using their money, maintaining access to their accounts, or managing important financial matters, despite having a bank account in place.
Opening a Pathway to Banking
ICAN’s referral data shows that approximately 17% of people entering Lotus Glen Correctional Centre do not have a bank account, highlighting a significant barrier to financial inclusion that begins well before release. For these individuals, opening a bank account is often the first step towards financial participation and economic independence. Without one, people can face challenges receiving income, saving money, managing expenses, and accessing essential services after release.
Commonwealth Bank has introduced a streamlined account opening process for First Nations people in custody, providing a practical example of how banking services can be adapted to custodial environments while maintaining appropriate safeguards. Similar pathways across the banking sector would help ensure more people can access the financial tools they need before release.
Sharon Edwards, who leads the ICAN’s Prison Team, says access to a bank account should be considered a core part of release preparation.
“If someone leaves custody without a bank account, they can face immediate barriers to receiving income, securing housing and managing everyday expenses. Being able to open an account before release gives people a stronger foundation and allows them to focus on rebuilding their lives rather than navigating avoidable administrative hurdles.”
Opening a bank account is an important first step, but financial inclusion does not end once an account has been established.
Money in the bank is only useful if you can access it
Many people may leave custody with money in their bank account but no practical way to access it. Barriers, such as not having an ATM or key card or access to internet banking, can leave people unable to use funds that are already sitting in their account at the very time they need them most.
There are many reasons people may not have a key card when they leave custody. Their bank may have shut the card down once it learned the person was in custody. Or the card was lost or stolen before or during their incarceration. Sharon Edwards says practical support remains vital.
“Having access to funds in the first few days after release can mean the difference between securing accommodation or sleeping rough, paying for transport, buying food, replacing essential clothing, and taking the first steps towards rebuilding a stable life. Removing what can seem like small barriers can make a significant difference to a person’s ability to re-establish themselves in the community and get their life back on track.”
Maintaining Access to Bank Accounts
Another emerging issue involves bank identity verification requirements, such as the “Know Your Customer” check. While designed to prevent fraud and financial crime, these processes can create barriers for people who cannot easily respond to requests from their bank.
For people in custody, notifications requesting updated identification may never reach them. Others may be unable to provide the documents required. In some cases, people only discover there is a problem when they attempt to access money and find their account has been restricted.
ICAN is working with banks to find practical solutions that balance regulatory requirements with the realities faced by vulnerable customers.
Risk of Legal Representation
A third emerging issue centres on third-party access and Power of Attorney arrangements.
For many people in custody, appointing a trusted representative is the only practical way to manage important financial matters. However, even when a valid Power of Attorney is in place, banks may still require direct confirmation from the customer before granting access. Although intended to protect, this requirement can create a significant barrier to managing funds where direct contact with the bank is not possible.
Sharon recalls supporting a man who needed to pay his lawyer using money from his bank account. Despite having a valid Power of Attorney in place, the transfer could not proceed until the bank received direct verbal confirmation from him. With support from ICAN and correctional staff, a phone call was eventually organised, allowing the payment to go through and enabling him to secure legal representation. This level of support is not available in every correctional centre.
Through ICAN’s weekly outreach at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, First Nations Financial Capability Worker Carmilla Dennis regularly witnesses these challenges firsthand.
“Continuously improving how men in custody access banking supports financial wellbeing, independence and safer environments. Making changes to remove barriers helps them access their money, manage their finances and advocate for themselves.”
“These improvements can reduce stress, support wellbeing, prevent high-risk behaviours and create a safer environment for everyone.”
Elise Deemal, a First Nations Financial Counsellor with ICAN’s Prison Team, says removing barriers before release can help set people up for a more successful return to community.
“It’s important to me to provide the right support and opportunities for people leaving custody so they can make positive changes and successfully return to community. I want people to feel seen, heard and empowered to seek help when they need it, rather than feeling that crime is their only option.”
Looking Ahead
Through ongoing collaboration with banks, Queensland Corrective Services, and industry partners, ICAN continues to identify emerging issues and work towards practical solutions that create fairer and more accessible systems for everyone.
Jillian Williams, ICAN’s Advocacy Manager, says:
“We’ve seen what’s possible when banks, correctional centres and community organisations work together to address barriers to financial inclusion. Important progress has been made, but new challenges are identified along the way which require ongoing collaboration. By continuing to listen, trial and adapt, we can build banking systems that are more accessible, responsive and inclusive for people both during custody and after release.”
As Sharon points out:
“We can’t ask people to do better and then not give them the most basic tools or support to do so.”