Hi everyone,

Just looking for some advice.

My fraud conviction was over 10 years ago (2 years suspended sentence) however still seems to haunt me all these years later.

Even though it is now well spent, I live in constant fear that someone will find out.

I have a unique name and despite a successful Google removal challenge, every so often an old article will appear if I search.

Every financial application I make fills me with dread. It just brings everything back.

I have had my own online company with my partner for a number of years, and I have went at great lengths to keep my name under wraps, even though I am listed as a director.

However, I cannot shake this constant feeling of looking over my shoulder.

I had previously considered a name change, however I am scared that banks will wonder why I am doing it.

Would it be a red flag to a financial institution, if a male wished to change his name? Would this lead to further scrutiny or checks? Obviously females regularly change their name due to marriage, but males not so much.

I cannot risk my business account being closed down. 

My thought had been to use my mothers maiden name as I do not particularly see eye to eye with my father anyway.

Doe anyone have an opinion or any thought on this?

I do tend to overthink things, so I am unsure if this is what is happening here.

However, I feel that my name is still holding me back.

Many thanks,