Following the news that Santander is considering scaling back its operations in the UK banking market, mortgage brokers and advisers have warned that the Spanish banking giant could be playing a dangerous game.
Report suggest Santander is considering leaving the UK, in part due to what it sees as the restrictive ringfencing rules put in place post-credit cruch. One broker warned this is “likely aimed at the government following last week’s deregulation announcement” but added — “it could backfire”. Another said “Santander could be playing a dangerous game”.
WARNING SHOT
Riz Malik, independent financial adviser at R3 Wealth, told Newspage: “Santander is firing a warning shot against a weak government that is in deep trouble. Even if they don’t leave, they could always redeploy their resources, like other firms could, if their faith in UK plc continues to diminish. That would certainly be disastrous for the economy and households across the country.
“On the other hand, Santander could be playing a dangerous game if their current and future customer think they are not committed to the UK and no longer offer stability.”
NO NEED FOR CONCERN
Rohit Kohli, director at the Mortgage Stop, argued that Santander considering leaving the UK is likely part of a broader strategy to influence discussions around the recent deregulation discussions. He added: “However, we cannot entirely rule out that they may be evaluating a longer-term exit strategy. If this is the case, it would not be a quick process.
“Any exit would involve careful planning and asset sales to maximise capital returns. For borrowers, there’s no need for concern—UK regulations ensure agreements remain secure, even if their mortgage book is sold to another provider.
“For brokers, it’s business as usual, and recommendations should continue to focus on the competitiveness of Santander’s current products. This is more about regulatory negotiations than an imminent departure.”
TECTONIC SHIFT
Simon Bridgland, director at Release Freedom, believes that it is almost impossible to imagine a banking and mortgage landscape without Santander featuring in it.
He added: “In the unlikely event of such a tectonic banking shift, market worry and faded public confidence would hit like a tidal wave, causing chaos. I cannot see it happening, as even our current PM and reception grade Chancellor should get the message that the rules and restrictions banks must adhere to need to change quickly if plans to improve the UK’s chances of growth are to have a chance.
“How much of a laughing stock will the UK appear to the rest of the world, just at a time we need to install confidence that we are here to do business. Starmer and Reeves need to look a bit lively if they don’t want to be hung out to dry.”
SHOT ACROSS THE BOUGHS
Stephen Perkins, managing director at Yellow Brick Mortgages, said: “This feels more like a shot across the boughs than an actual intention to leave the UK market. While Santander may have smaller margins in the UK due to heavy regulation, the top six bank still achieve decent profits and market share. There is potential threat financially from forthcoming court rulings around mis-selling of car financing loans, so this could be an act of protest.
“Ultimately in the unlikely event of a UK market exit, the mortgage loan book would be sold, meaning at most the name on the direct debit would change for borrowers. Those with deposits and savings would swiftly look to move them elsewhere.”
