BRADFORD & BINGLEY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND A 20% GROWTH IN DEPOSIT BALANCES

Santander subsidiaries Alliance & Leicester International (ALIL) and Bradford & Bingley International (BBIL) have announced the appointment of new Executive Directors, marking a key milestone in the integration of the Isle of Man businesses into the Santander Group.

John Pearson has been appointed Managing Director for both businesses and Simon Nuttall, has been appointed Finance, Risk and Compliance Director for both businesses. (These appointments are subject to IoM FSC approval.)

ALIL and BBIL, are part of Abbey's Wealth Management Division within the Santander Group. Colin Huelin, Managing Director of Abbey International in Jersey, has been appointed a Non-Executive Director of both companies, having responsibility for the oversight of the Isle of Man businesses within the Wealth Management Division.

John Pearson said that he was "delighted to welcome Colin onto both company Boards and that Colin's experience of integrating businesses into the Santander Group would be especially valuable for ALIL and BBIL going forward."

"Since the acquisition by Abbey of ALIL and BBIL, the combined savings balances of both Isle of Man businesses have grown by an unprecedented 20%, a result of the Group's excellent AA credit rating working in combination with competitive rates of interest and a simple product range."

"ALIL and BBIL form an important part of the offshore businesses of the Group and we are now looking at integrating the best of both Manx businesses, as well as the Abbey National Plc IoM Branch mortgage business, to present a strong presence in the market which will complement the Wealth Management services offered by Abbey International in Jersey."

"To this end, these Board appointments are an important step in the process of integration and we will now be working to define the Isle of Man businesses further so that their contribution to Santander Group continues to grow. In the meantime, it is business as usual and the products and services which our customers enjoy will continue as at present."