Treasury publishes details of Asset Protection Scheme
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Issued 07 December 2009
The Treasury has today published its final agreement with the Royal Bank of
Scotland on the bank’s participation in the Asset Protection Scheme, along with
further detail of the scheme’s operation and the assets it covers.
The Treasury has also announced the launch of the Asset Protection Agency
that will administer the scheme in order to protect the taxpayer’s interest.
Financial Services Secretary to the Treasury Paul Myners said:
“The Government’s decisive action to stabilise the financial system has
succeeded in protecting the savings of British families. We have strived
throughout our interventions to ensure maximum value for the taxpayer, charging
commercial rates for our support for the banks and making supported firms pick
up the tab for extra operating costs.
“The agreement we have reached with RBS follows this approach. This final
agreement sees a much-improved position for the taxpayer compared to the initial
deal announced in February. RBS will bear a much greater share of the burden,
with the first loss increasing by £18bn. The bank will also pay the full
operational costs of the Asset Protection Agency.
“Together with the exit of Lloyds from the APS, taxpayer exposure to bank
losses has been markedly reduced. With this agreement entering into force with
State Aid approval expected soon, our focus can turn to reforming the financial
system for the future, both with greater competition on the High Street, and
stronger global and domestic regulation.”
The Government announced final agreements with Lloyds and RBS on 3 November.
Lloyds has proceeded with plans to raise capital on the markets and RBS signed
its agreement on participation in the APS on 26 November. Discretionary cash
bonuses for staff earning above £39,000 have been banned at both banks for the
2009 performance year and binding lending agreements have been implemented as
conditions of Government support.
The European Commission has also required both banks to make significant
divestments including hundreds of branches throughout the country to encourage
greater competition and choice for consumers.
Notes
1. The Government’s agreement with RBS, scheme rules, and asset details can
be found on the
HM
Treasury website.
2. The creation of the Asset Protection Scheme was announced on 19 January.
RBS reached an agreement in principle with RBS on 26 February and with Lloyds on
7 March.
3. The agreement released today is subject to shareholder approval and State
Aid approval from the European Commission.
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© Crown Copyright. Material taken from HM-Treasury. Reproduced
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2009-12-17 21:00:24 in Economic Articles
