Not so 'helpful banking' - the Natwest / RBS / Ulster Bank fiasco

People who didn't get their wages; travellers stranded overseas without cash; people unable even to buy basics like food. When a bank lets its customers down this badly there are some very angry casualties.

Last night the banking computers that service NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank (they are all part of the same group) went badly wrong.

Transfers into and out of peoples accounts did not take place. Even now they can't say how many customers were hit - but since they have eight million the figure will be large.

And still they can't say when the problem will be completely fixed. They have kept 1000 branches open late till 7pm to help customers.

What about those who have suffered confusion, distress and financial loss as a direct result of all this? Today the banks spokespeople told me "we will ensure nobody loses out". They better make sure that's true - what remains of their banking reputation depends on it. As for that slogan "helpful banking"...it may have a hollow ring for some time to come.