US lenders face scrutiny over alleged politically driven account closures

Major U.S. banks are anticipating a review from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that could lead to disciplinary action. The review concerns allegations that these institutions have closed customer accounts based on religious or political grounds, with a particular focus on whether services were denied to conservative-aligned sectors. The probe is expected to identify specific banks involved in these practices.

In parallel, California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Donald Trump of directing the Justice Department to investigate him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Newsom asserts that these investigations are politically motivated attempts to uncover a crime. Reports indicate that federal agents have been interviewing associates of Governor Newsom as part of these probes.

Separately, Reza Zarrab, a central cooperating witness in the U.S. investigation into Turkish lender Halkbank, is slated for sentencing on July 14. Halkbank is accused of playing a role in helping Iran evade international sanctions. Zarrab's sentencing comes almost nine years after he entered a guilty plea in the case.