Unfortunately, these problems are not limited to personal finance. I've just started a new company (my third), and wanted a simple online account (no borrowing requirement needed) with one of the majors in the UK.
Lloyds website is very encouraging, call this number and do it over the phone - 40 minutes later, every detail of my past life on file and they're going to send out forms, that I have to fill in, take my passport and a utility bill to the local branch, to get them notarised and return to head office. Ten days later - no forms. Got a call from them today, why haven't you sent in the forms? A 'replacement' set is now on the way, after I return them it takes 10 working days (maybe)to set up the account.
If I ever need to borrow from them I expect I'll have to deposit a (DNA sequenced)kidney at their local vault.
57degrees