If any of us require an example of an effective modern bank, Santander and Spanish Banks in general are terrific examples. To eliminate duplication, and centralise functions is always a good thing in achieving better customer results.

Finextra: Santander to seek £65 million IT savings in A&L takeover

Spain’s Banco Santander expects to save £180 million a year from cutting jobs and centralising IT systems as it merges the UK’s Abbey with newly-acquired high street rival Alliance & Leicester.