The Halifax has so far reunited holders of accounts that have been forgotten about with over GBP16.5 million of their savings since starting its campaign earlier this year.
Over 7,200 people have had money paid to them by the Halifax since February this year, working out at an average of over GBP2,300 per person. The process began by looking at 25,000 dormant savings accounts, some of which had considerable sums in them. A spokesman from the Halifax said that over two thirds of the accounts that held more than GBP50,000 had been accounted for and the funds passed on to the owners.
The Halifax will continue with the remainder of the accounts but also introduce another 150,000 into the mix, worth another GBP30 million. Customers do not have to do anything, since the Halifax are searching for the owners. However it could speed up the process to get in touch with them should you have an account like this.
Alliance and Leicester fixed rate bonds have enjoyed some interest rate changes, with the one year fixed rate product going up from 6.5 percent to 6.65 percent AER.
All the fixed rate bonds provided by Alliance and Leicester will payout on a monthly basis should that be preferable to the customer, with the balance invested needing to be between GBP2,500 and GBP2 million to be eligible for monthly payments. The minimum amount needed to invest in one of these bonds is GBP1,000.
The benefit of fixed rate bonds is the security of the capital invested as well as there being a set, guaranteed, return said an Alliance and Leicester spokesman. This means customers know exactly what they will receive back from their investment, enabling them to plan more effectively.
Zurich Insurance has expanded the number of funds it offers to investors, aiming to give more options to better suit customer requirements.
Eighteen new Sterling Bonds have been introduced as well as 22 Sterling Mutual Funds. The combination of options now allows investors to choose from a much wider variety of asset families. Zurich Insurance customers will be able to structure a portfolio that best meets their needs and risk profile, meaning less compromise.
A Zurich Insurance spokesman said that these new multi-manager funds will be most appealing to investors looking for a diverse portfolio and seeking to rate their options on the underlying approach to risk.
