02/10/2008

Northern Rock Pulls Savings Deals As Deposits Rise

Nationalised financial institution Northern Rock has withdrawn a number of savings deals after 'herds' of customers queued up to deposit money.

The bank, which was nationalised in February, was forced to take action after customers rushed to put savings in what is seen as one of the "safest places", as the Government promised to guarantee all its deposits.

Northern Rock is one of the few financial institutions that has a "100% guarantee" for the safety of customers' money, as it is now backed by the Exchequer.

As part of the nationalisation deal, it is forced to cap its market share of UK retail deposit balances at 1.5%. The deal was made so it could not take advantage of its temporary Government backing.

With the recent nationalisation of its rival Bradford & Bingley, as well as the Government-brokered takeover of HBOS, Northern Rock revealed it led to a "sizeable" influx of deposits.

The bank announced: "Recent turbulence in financial markets has led to a sizeable inflow of retail deposits, particularly in recent days, and Northern Rock is therefore taking further action to moderate its product range and product pricing, to upholds its competitive commitments."

Northern Rock is withdrawing four products to new customers, including its fixed-rate access bond and its online e-saver product. It has also amended its product pricing to uphold its competitive commitments.

The move comes as the Irish government confirmed legislation to ensure the safety of 100% of savings at six institutions. This has led to a major rush of money into Irish banks.

See: Gov's €400 bn Plan To Be Written Into Law

(JM)

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