Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increased recognition amongst economists, political scientists, and financial historians that issues of trust play a significant role in the financial decisions taken by individual investors. As recent research has shown, one of the most important factors influencing the degree of trust an investor shows in an institution relates to how closely they feel it aligns with their own cultural and social values. Whilst such insights are now widely accepted in other disciplines, there remains little historical research on the relationship between trust and identity in the banking sector. This research aims to address this oversight by providing an in-depth investigation into the relationship between the short-lived Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) and its many clients in the city of Bradford. In the process, it not only contributes to the growing literature on trust and identity in finance, it also shines light on the potential for this trust to be exploited and capitalized on for illegitimate ends.