The U.K.’s Crypto and Digital Assets All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is investigating banks that have refused to provide accounts to crypto firms or have imposed restrictions on crypto-related transactions.

U.K. lawmakers have initiated a cross-party inquiry to gauge how far banks may have limited cryptocurrency businesses by denying access to banking services and tightening controls on crypto payments. The inquiry, launched on Tuesday, aims to determine whether these practices have effectively constrained the sector.

The APPG is co-chaired by Ed Vaizey, a former Minister for the Digital Economy and member of the House of Lords, and Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan, according to an official statement.

Securing banking relationships has long been a challenge for the crypto industry, with firms and individuals frequently reporting difficulties in opening and maintaining accounts. In the U.S., similar trends have been labeled “Operation Chokepoint 2.0.”

The APPG noted that several major U.K. banks have also introduced limits on crypto-related payments. The inquiry will therefore focus on the shortage of banking access for crypto businesses, as well as the impact on associated services such as insurance and professional support.

It will also examine how banks are applying transaction restrictions, including blocking payments to certain crypto platforms or imposing transfer caps. The goal is to assess whether these measures are proportionate and to understand their effects on consumers, businesses, innovation, and market competition.

“Over a number of years, the APPG has consistently received reports from crypto and digital asset firms about difficulties accessing banking services, along with concerns regarding restrictions on crypto transactions,” Vaizey said.

The APPG has opened a six-week call for evidence, inviting input from stakeholders across banking, payments, fintech, and crypto sectors. The findings will be compiled into a report with recommendations for the government.