Personal accounts

Alliance & Leicester International Launches Three New Multi-Channel Accounts

Alliance & Leicester International Limited (ALIL), the Isle of Man based international savings bank, is delighted to announce the launch of three new multi-channel savings accounts - Select International, Select 50 International and Select Income International. These accounts offer competitive interest rates of between 2.50% and 2.75% AER variable and have been launched to cater for those customers who want a greater degree of choice as to how they manage their accounts.

ALIL already has an enviable reputation for providing ‘internet-based’ accounts, having won awards for its ‘Best Buy’ eSaver Offshore savings range. The new Select International range allows consumers to manage their accounts via post, telephone, fax and in-branch as well as using internet banking at - www.mybankoffshore.com. The accounts are available from 13th March 2009 and are designed for international expats who require the convenience and security of placing their money with a well known savings bank in a secure and stable jurisdiction.

Simon Ripton, Joint Managing Director of Alliance & Leicester International comments: “In the current environment, with interest rates falling and uncertainty prevailing, it is vital that consumers shop around and review their savings, not only so that they make the most of their money, but so that they maintain control and can feel secure in the knowledge that they have a variety of ways in which to access their money. Whilst our best interest rates continue to be available solely online, multi-channel access is something that we believe our customers will really appreciate and we are delighted to be able to offer it.

“The new Select International range of accounts provides competitive, market leading interest rates, the security offered by saving with one of the World’s largest financial institutions and the ability to manage your account by a whichever method is most convenient. These accounts cater for a wide selection of expat savers and we believe that they will be a huge success.”

-ENDS-

The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists
and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.

Abbey and the flame logo are registered trademarks.

Notes to Editors

Alliance & Leicester International offers a range of savings products to suit the needs of today’s expat, including its popular eSaver Offshore savings account range. The eSaver Offshore products are the first and only offshore savings accounts to offer an online application process without the need for a ‘wet’ signature, so setting up an eSaver Offshore savings account could not be easier. By allowing customers to both set up and manage their accounts online, eSaver Offshore guarantees access to funds anytime and anywhere in the world, in addition to highly competitive rates of interest and the option to receive interest monthly, quarterly or annually.

For more information on the ‘eSaver Offshore’ or ‘Select International’ range of savings accounts or to apply online visit www.alil.co.im. Information about all of Alliance & Leicester International’s savings accounts is also available by calling +44 (0) 1624 641888.

Alliance & Leicester International Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance & Leicester, itself now part of the Santander Group, which has more than 150 years’ experience in banking, and more branches worldwide than any other international bank. Banks in the Santander Group are committed to serving our customers and helping them make the most of their money. In 2008 Santander won the Euromoney ‘Best Global Bank’ award.

About Us

Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N) Founded in 1857, Santander has 80 million customers, over 13,000 branches, 170,000 employees and operates in 40 countries.

It is the largest financial group in Spain and Latin America, the third largest banking group in Portugal and has a significant presence in the UK through Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and the savings business of Bradford & Bingley. Through Santander Consumer Finance, it also operates in 12 European countries (Germany, Italy and Spain, among others). In the United States, it owns Sovereign Bancorp. In 2008, Santander reported €8,876 million in net attributable profits.

In the UK, Santander operates three retail businesses - Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and the savings business of Bradford & Bingley. Together, they have over 1300 branches, around 4,500 cash machines and they provide a full range of retail and corporate banking services to 24 million customers.

Media Enquiries

Louisa Dreja   Tel: 0207 756 4211   Mobile: 07826 859446

Lee Blackwell   The Wriglesworth Consultancy   0207 427 1413

Faye Williamson   The Wriglesworth Consultancy   0207 427 1432

The press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.

Alliance & Leicester International ‘Select International’ Savings Accounts


Alliance & Leicester Select International Savings Accounts
Product Select International (Issue 1) Select 50 International (Issue 1) Select Income International (Issue 1)
Rate* 2.50% AER variable 2.75% AER variable 2.75% AER variable
Min opening balance £15,000 £25,000 £25,000
Max balance £1,000,000 £1,000,000 £1,000,000
Withdrawals Easy access. No notice required 50 days notice Up to £5,000 per month with no notice and then 60 days notice for other withdrawals
Withdrawal costs Same day paid for CHAPS withdrawals
Or
Free BACS withdrawals for users of ALIL’s Internet banking service, www.mybankoffshore.com
Interest paid Annually Annually Monthly (2.72% monthly interest)
Apply Via post or at our Douglas branch
Either download an application form at www.alil.co.im or call and we will post one to you
Manage your account Via phone, fax, post or online
No cash deposits or withdrawals. Cheque deposits and withdrawals must be for a minimum of £10,000

*Rates correct as at 13 March 2009

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