Bank of Dave is returning to Netflix with a second film following Dave Fishwick (played by Rory Kinnear) as he shifts his focus to payday loan companies. Teased as being bigger and better than the first film, the plot raises global awareness about financial justice.
The new story takes place two years after Dave successfully set up his community bank. Dave, along with an American journalist and Citizen’s Advice counselor, embark on a journey to confront influential payday loan companies in the States.
The plot was inspired by Dave Fishwick’s real-life activism against exploitative money-lending companies during the 2010s. The sequel focuses on Dave and his ‘right hand man’ David Henshaw.
Speaking about his real-life experience, Dave told the Lancashire Telegraph: “David H and I decided to go after [the lenders]. I’d met people who’d tried to run away from home because of the terrible things that were happening to them through the payday loan industry.
“David H and I decided to get in touch with these people [who were writing us letters] as we could probably give them a loan that’s much cheaper, and then I’d pay this loan back to the payday loan companies. People were bursting into tears.
Bank of Dave is based on true events
“It was really emotional. So I set off to London to find these payday loan companies. I’m banging on doors.
“Some of them are just cupboards with a telephone number. They were hiding. They actually would not take the money back.
“They prey on the poor and vulnerable, and the movie catches that brilliantly.”
While the broad outlines of the story are true, some aspects were exaggerations and inventions for the film. One of which was an appearance by the rock band Def Leppard, as in the film, the band performs at a fundraising concert.
This was entirely made up and was purely based on the fact Fishwick himself is a huge fan.
Dave Fishwick fought against money lenders
Perhaps the most significant change is regarding Dave’s application to become an officially regulated bank.
In real life, Dave has still not been successful with his application and Burnley Savings and Loans Limited is still not technically a bank.
This means customers only able to deposit a limited amount.
Financial Solicitor Chris Moss has worked closely with Dave and he opened up to Myerson about his experience.
He said: “I have been working with Dave for over 11 years, and when he first spoke to me about starting a community bank, I knew only Dave could be the person to make that happen with a little help.
“He is full of determination and passionate about supporting his local community, and he was portrayed very accurately by Rory Kinnear. I understand Dave worked very closely with the cast and had a great time building the script and making the film happen.”
Bank of Dave: The Loan Ranger airs on Netflix on January 10