Northern Bank Becomes Danske

Today the Northern Bank officially becomes Danske Bank.

The new name comes from the bank’s Danish parent and will see branches across Ireland, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania adopt the new title.

National Irish Bank, the Northern Bank’s sister company, has closed its 27 branches and is replacing them with nine small advisory centres which are being rebranded as Danske.

Visitors to the Northern Bank website will now be automatically redirected to the Danske site.

New bank notes bearing the name 'Danske' will be printed next year.

The re-branding will see all 63 branches in Northern Ireland brought closer to the image of the Copenhagen based bank, which some commentators are saying is a more successful brand.

Head of Danske Bank UK and Ireland Gerry Mallon said: "We live in a new normal - in a world and society that is undergoing great changes.

"As a bank, we are responding to that new world normal with our 'New Standards' strategy. Today, coinciding with our rebrand to Danske Bank, we are also launching our new marketing campaign."

Mr Mallon acknowledged there could be an element of sadness for its Northern Irish customers, who have grown up with the Northern Bank name.

It has been known as such in Northern Ireland for more than 200 years.

"Supporting customers with expertise and local knowledge built up over the years will remain at the very heart of our business," he said.

"Our change of name today gives us a unique opportunity to create an even better bank for our customers."

The move comes following news that Northern Bank made a loss of nearly £66m for the first half of this year.

Overall, the Danske Bank group made a pre-tax profit.

The new sterling bank notes on which "Danske" will replace the word "Northern", will be phased in next year, but Northern Bank notes will remain valid.

(IT)