In some more bad news for the banking industry on the Emerald Isle, Ulster Bank have announced they are to close around 20 (correction - the number is now 22) branches/sub-offices island wide.   As the 3rd largest bank in Ireland, Ulster Bank currently operate 146 branches south of the border and 90 in Northern [...]

Ross McEwan, the Royal Bank of Scotland’s recently appointed head of UK retail banking, will take up his post at the beginning of September after Brain Hartzer’s departure from the company in June. Native New Zealander McEwan formally ran the retail banking operation of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the country’s largest retail lender with over [...]

  It seems that the banking sector is constantly under scrutiny these days, but in the past couple of weeks, a series of unfortunate events have made it even more difficult for the industry. What with computer glitches and libor rate fixing scandals, the headlines in the newspapers are spurring people into action by voting [...]

  Despite  a win by the pro-bailout ‘New Democracy’ party in the Greek legislative election, European banking stocks have plummeted. Banks across Europe, including Commerzbank (down 3.6%), Deutsche Bank (down 1%), BNP (down 3.3%), Royal Bank of Scotland (down 4.4%), and Credit Agricole (down 2.9%), saw their shares fall in the aftermath of the historic [...]

  As austerity takes a grip in Britain there is a larger gap growing between the rich and the poor. With further cuts planned the gap is only set to increase. Oxfam have been petitioning for a Robin Hood Tax to be brought in which will look to raise money through taxing transactions. This tax [...]

Lets face it, who isn’t skint after moving house? You’ll be financially exhausted after a down payment or deposit, finalising all your bills from your previous property, not to mention all the odds and ends that you forget you will need upon moving in. So if you’re moving home soon and you need to pinch [...]

  At the tender age of 23 years old, I still can’t believe that I am thinking about this already - retirement. I’ve just started my career, but I’m already thinking about the day when I finally get to down tools and relax. Granted, it’s not for another 45 years or so, but hey! A [...]

  All mortgages are not created equal and getting a great deal with a favourable interest rate can save you a lot of money over the life of the loan. There are many different mortgages to choose from, so how can you be certain that you are getting the best rate available? Here are some [...]

  Since the recession hit, banks have not only been bailed out, but they have also been punished for their failings in everything from inappropriate investment advice to the infamous Payment Protection Insurance scandal - which saw many consumers mis-sold insurance packages that they were ineligible for. They’ve also been the target misguided public frustration. [...]

  It’s spring and the dusting has commenced so why not spring clean your finances too? There are lots of ways to do this so get out your notebook and make a few notes, we have some great tips for you right here on the Money Lion… Visit your bank Call your bank and arrange an appointment [...]