due to the economic crisis
It's really to do with the World Bank and the combatting of International Terrorism via a clamp down on money laundering.
It was 2001 when the rules came out and I think they all had 18 months or so to ensure they were complying by introducing their own controls.....
I'd have to find some links if you want more information.
No Bank can afford to allow you to open an account without proper client identification etc etc
unless you have a large amount of cash ready to deposit
And especially if you try to deposit a large amount of money ! They will report you as suspicious. They are legally obliged to do so .
:)