The Nationwide Building Society is readying itself for the provision of savings products to customers in the Republic of Ireland.
As long as the proposal is approved by both the FSA and the Irish equivalent then the Nationwide Building Society will begin selling savings products to Irish customers by telephone, online and through the post. The move is being seen as a good strategic option for the Nationwide as it expands their geographic coverage and increases the funding options.
Industry commentators have said that the Nationwide Building Society is already in a strong financial position so this step into Eire is set to improve that position still further.
A Sainsburys Bank spokesman feels that there are more restrictions and conditions applied to savings accounts than ever before.
Having looked at the current state of the market the Sainsburys Bank spokesman has noticed how many savings accounts have restrictions on withdrawal amounts and periods, as well as how it impacts on interest rates, with some quite hefty penalties on some for making withdrawals during the year.
Another aspect that has been noted is the use of age limits on some savings accounts, targeting either the younger or older market. Ideally all categories of customer should be able to enjoy similar levels of interest and benefits believes the Sainsburys Bank spokesman.
Abbey National is about to introduce some new investment bonds, including ones specifically for children, the over 50s and also a fixed rate option.
The fixed rate bond pays interest at 6 percent per annum gross over a 12 month period while the over 50 year old only deal offers 6.1 percent for the 3 year term. The child bond also pays 6.1 percent, but over a four year period. An Abbey National spokesman said that these offers were excellent and highlighted the excellent value for money savers can currently get with their investments.
What is also important, said the representative of the Abbey National, is the security and peace of mind provided by an organisation the size of the Abbey, part of the giant Santander Group.
