Missing Billions

Missing Billions

From File on 4 Investigates by BBC Radio 4

February 5, 2026 · 37 min

About this episode

This episode examines the changes to the financial system over the past decade, focusing on lost financial assets and the impact of digitisation.

File on 4 Investigates: Missing Billions examines the changes to the financial system over the past ten years, including bank branch closures and the digitisation of the finance industry which has led to many financial assets being lost, mislaid or forgotten. It examines the scandal of £100 billion belonging to you and me, but kept by Britain's trusted financial institutions. The documentary solves the mystery of some missing church silver, helps a frustrated ambulance worker hunt an elusive pension and hears from the valiant individuals leading the charge to make changes to the finance industry. Featuring contributions from: Steve Webb (Former Pensions Minister), Helen Boyd (Reclaim Fund Ltd), Derek French (Campaign for Community Banking Services), Duncan Stevens (Asset Tracing Service Gretel), Tom Storey (Vaults Group), Les Clarke (Assets Recovered Ltd) plus responses from the NHS, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Santander UK and Lloyds bank. Presenter, Simon Barnes Readings, Russell Bentley, Olivia Mace Research, Bethanie Depreaux Editor, Ross Burman Producer, Ashley Golder Executive Producer, Kris Dyer A Rakkit production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: Simon Barnes

Guests: Steve Webb, Helen Boyd, Derek French, Duncan Stevens, Tom Storey, Les Clarke

Topics covered

  • financial system
  • bank branch closures
  • digitisation
  • missing assets
  • pensions
  • financial institutions
  • community banking

Keywords

  • missing billions
  • financial assets
  • bank closures
  • pension hunt
  • church silver
  • finance industry
  • digital finance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NHS, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Santander UK, Lloyds bank, Reclaim Fund Ltd, Campaign for Community Banking Services, Asset Tracing Service Gretel, Vaults Group, Assets Recovered Ltd

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