The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced full year pre-tax losses of £24bn for 2008, the largest in British corporate history.
The Group (which is 70% owned by HM Treasury) has also announced a sweeping restructuring plan aimed at restoring standalone strength. RBS, the parent of Ulster Bank, intends to place £325bn in toxic assets in a taxpayer-backed protection scheme.
Part-nationalised RBS will use the Government's newly-created Asset Protection Scheme to strengthen its finances. RBS will pay £6.5 billion to the Treasury to take part in the scheme and be liable for the first £19.5 billion in losses on the assets.