AWDC participated in an intersectoral roundtable hosted by Minister of Labor and Economy and the FPS Economy, focusing on the Basic Banking Service for businesses at the end of 2025. For many diamantaires, this law represents their only viable pathway to obtaining a bank account in Belgium, making its proper implementation crucial for the sector.
Introduced in 2023, the Basic Banking Service was an important step toward ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to banking. However, its practical application remains challenging. As a sector federation, we continue to advocate for a clear, workable, and consistently applied framework, one that leaves no room for subjective interpretation.
During the roundtable, we highlighted several targeted improvements aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the Basic Banking Service. These included:
- Faster procedures
- Greater proportionality
- Stronger accountability and compliance by banks
Every diamantaire in Belgium must be able to access the Basic Banking Service to which they are legally entitled. A transparent, efficient, and fairly applied procedure benefits not only our sector but the entire Belgian business community.
The roundtable marks an important step in the ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and policymakers as they work toward a more inclusive and functional banking environment in Belgium.
