25/11/2013

RBS Report Handed To City Regulator

A report on the Royal Bank of Scotland and its dealing with small business has been handed over to the City regulator.

It is claimed that the bank deliberately put "good and viable" businesses into default so it could make more profit.

According to reports business secretary, Vince Cable, decided on the move following a review of evidence presented to him government adviser Lawrence Tomlinson, looked "solid".

According to reports the allegations centre around the Global Restructuring Group (GRG), the banks lending division, specialising in handling loans considered risky. It is claimed that banks can generate income from putting a business in the GRG, through fees, increased profit margins and the purchase of devalued assets by their property division, West Register.

According to the BBC, Mr Tomlinson has said that the is a perception among businesses that they were being "purposefully distressed" in order to get them into the GRG. Mr Tomlinson added that even if this perception is wrong, it should be investigated.

(MH/CD)

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