Then you get the BTC folks arguing that all this regulation and safeguarding is a plot to prevent you from using your money. And once BTC takes over your mom can finally be her own bank.
So there's regulation. Until I read this I had assumed the bank branch was helpfully breaking the law by refusing to release customer funds. Do you know what's the law that forces (or allows) banks to do this?
The terms of service when you open a checking account with them?