March, 06, 2010

The bank plans to open two branches in central London in the next three months.It aims to expand to more than 200 in Greater London within ten years.The bank says it will put special emphasis on giving good service to customers, including a special welcome for their dogs."The banking environment was fundamentally changed following the credit crunch, and we have seen seismic changes in the retail UK banking industry as a result," said Anthony Thomson, Metro Bank chairman.

"With the FSA authorisation of Metro Bank we are entering a new era of banking, one where we go back to a more traditional banking model where customer service is key and there is deposit based lending.We believe that by providing unparalleled service and convenience, Metro Bank will stand out from other High Street banks," he said.Since the banking crisis led to the part-nationalisation of both the RBS and Lloyds banking groups, the government has been keen to encourage new banking businesses to set in the UK's High Streets.

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