RBS comes bottom of bank league tables

Royal Bank of Scotland has been officially ranked Britain's worst bank by consumers and businesses, according to data released by regulators.
RBS is aware that it has work to do to improve standards, according to a spokesman Photo: Johnny Green/PA WireRBS is aware that it has work to do to improve standards, according to a spokesman Photo: Johnny Green/PA Wire
RBS is aware that it has work to do to improve standards, according to a spokesman Photo: Johnny Green/PA Wire

The taxpayer-owned bank came bottom of league tables published by the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), based on a survey of personal and business banking customers.

RBS is joint bottom of the personal banking league table alongside Clydesdale, with less than half of customers saying they would recommend the lender. It also came out bottom for business banking.

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RBS has been dogged by several scandals since its Government bailout in 2008, including allegations that it mistreated some of its small business customers and, most recently, a bank branch closure drive.

A spokesman for the bank said: “We are aware we have more work to do in order to improve our service standards and deliver a better experience for our customers.

“That is why we are investing in improving the products and services we offer our personal and business customers, whether that’s through launching initiatives such as the UK’s first paperless mortgage or ESME, our digital lending platform for SMEs, which are helping us to deliver better service for our customers.”

First Direct came top of the personal banking league table with 85% of customers satisfied, while Handelsbanken topped the business ranking with 84%. Under new rules that came into force on Wednesday, banks must publish information on how likely people would be to recommend them - including online and mobile banking, branch and overdraft services - to friends, relatives or other businesses.

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The results must be displayed prominently in branches as well as on websites and apps. The CMA said it will make it easier for people to find out if another bank has a better offer and will drive up competition.

Adam Land, senior director at the CMA, said: “For the first time, people will now be able to easily compare banks on the quality of the service they provide, and so judge if they’re getting the most for their money or could do better elsewhere.

“This is one of the many measures - including Open Banking and overdraft text alerts - that we put in place to make banks work harder for their customers and help people shop around to find the best deals for them.”

From February 2019, the FCA will expect that banks publish figures on how long it takes to open current accounts and replace debit cards.

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Christopher Woolard, Executive Director of Strategy and Competition at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), said: “Getting a good deal isn’t just about pricing.

“It’s also important for customers – including individuals and small businesses – to be able to judge the quality of service around their current account and to see whether other providers could offer something that suits them better.

Mr Woolard added: “This information should encourage providers to offer the services that people value.”