Zurich target UK customers with Bank of Scotland venture

Leading insurance group Zurich Financial Services is to collaborate with the Bank of Scotland in a joint venture of equals to offer additional banking services to its British customers. Zurich intends to gain regulatory approval for the venture before the end of the year and in so doing provide bank accounts, personal loans, mortgages and credit cards to its 4.5m clients via Allied Dunbar and Eagle Star. Zurich chief executive Sandy Leitch said: "This is an important strategic move for Zurich. It fits with our goal of reaching more customers and increasing our product range through st...