4 Major Banks Used SPLC in Adverse Decisions Affecting Conservative, Christian Groups, Federal Review Finds
14th October 2026
Four of America’s largest banks relied on the Southern Poverty Law Center in decisions affecting conservative and religious organizations, according to a newly released federal debanking report.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency report, released Wednesday, details instances involving JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, and TD Bank, all of which referenced the SPLC while denying loans to organizations or closing their accounts. The SPLC‘s map of hate groups lists some mainstream conservative and Christian groups alongside Klan chapters, due to the groups’ views on marriage, immigration, critical race theory, or opposition to radical Islam.
“No American should be locked out of the banking system for being conservative or Christian,” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., told the Daily Signal. “Reports that major financial institutions relied on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s politically motivated labels to deny services to conservatives are deeply troubling and demand answers.”
Critics have long argued that the SPLC’s accusations have real-world consequences—including debanking.