Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, falsely classified as a politically exposed person (PEP), shares her experience of being debanked due to her Russian connections. She discusses her family history and journey of rediscovering her Russian heritage. The podcast also explores the world of Russian oligarchs and the challenges faced by Russian opponents of Putin in terms of having their accounts shut down and lacking a bank account as a human right.
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Quick takeaways
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The debanking of Countess Alexandra Tolstoy by NatWest highlights the significant impact and vulnerability individuals face when deprived of a bank account, especially in the absence of proper explanations or responses from the bank.
Deep dives
Parenting and the Importance of Therapy
Parenting is a complex journey of highs and lows. Therapy can play a crucial role in navigating the challenges and taking care of oneself to become the best parent possible. Better health offers an online therapy platform that allows individuals to complete a questionnaire, match with a licensed therapist, and switch therapists as needed. The accessibility and flexibility of this platform provide parents with the necessary support to navigate the ups and downs of parenting.
Debanked: Countess Alexandra Tolstoy's Case
Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, a member of the famous Tolstoy family, shares her experience of being debanked by NatWest. She explains that despite living in England and running her own businesses for several years, she received a sudden letter informing her that her accounts would be closed without any explanation. Despite her attempts to appeal and seek clarification from the bank, she was met with silence and lack of response. This unexpected debanking has left her in a precarious situation, highlighting the significant impact and vulnerability individuals face when deprived of a bank account.
The Irony of Family and National Identity
The case of Countess Alexandra Tolstoy sheds light on the complexities faced by families with dual Russian and British identities. Historically, these families have moved between Russia and Europe, living within the same hemisphere. However, recent political tensions and conflicts have shifted these dynamics, making it increasingly challenging to move between these countries. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy's family history, with generations fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution, exemplifies the complexities and ironies of family and national identity. The divide between these two worlds becomes particularly prominent, causing both personal and societal challenges.