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Santander reviews UK retail banking presence amid broader assessment, source says

Santander, the Spanish banking giant, is contemplating exiting the UK market due to frustrations with the profitability of high street banking, according to a report by the Financial Times on January 19, 2025. The bank has been reviewing its strategy in the UK, where it has been operating since acquiring Abbey National in 2004, and now faces challenges from low interest rates, regulatory pressures, and competition from digital and challenger banks. Despite these considerations, Santander has not made a final decision, and any potential exit would involve complex negotiations regarding its extensive branch network, customer base, and regulatory compliance. The bank's CEO, Ana Botín, has previously expressed concerns about the sustainability of traditional banking models in the UK, hinting at possible strategic shifts or divestitures.

Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/santander-considers-uk-exit-amid-frustrations-with-high-street-banking-ft-2025-01-19/ ]