COUTTS & CO MAKES PRIVATE BANKER APPOINTMENT FOR CUMBRIA

11^th Feb 2004

Coutts & Co, the UK’s leading private bank, has announced the appointment of a new private banker for the North Lancashire and Cumbrian regions.

Ian Booth, who is based in Ulverston, has over 20 years banking experience in the region, and is looking to increase Coutts’ profile locally, in an area where clients may not have direct access to a Coutts office. Attached to the Newcastle office, Ian’s presence locally will be a major strength in establishing long term relationships with clients.

Ian commented: "I am delighted to be joining Coutts at a time when there is such an increasing commitment to expansion of the Coutts service throughout the UK. I am looking forward to working with a highly successful team in order to bring our wealth management services to a wider audience."

Peter Mawdsley, regional client group head, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Ian to our team. With his experience and enthusiasm, we are confident that he will successfully continue to build upon our existing clients in the Lancashire and Cumbrian regions.

Coutts unveiled plans for significant expansion of its regional office network at the end of 2003. As part of its expansion plans, the private bank is currently increasing the number of private bankers in its regional offices by as much as 60% in addition to the opening of two new offices, the locations of which are still to be confirmed.

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For further information please contact:

Claire Symonds, Press Officer, Coutts & Co. Tel: 020 7957 2650, mob: 07970 001149, email: clairesymonds@coutts.com

Notes to editors:

Coutts & Co

1. Coutts & Co is the UK private banking arm of the Coutts Group, an international private banking group owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
1. The Coutts Group manages the wealth of 75,000 high net worth clients from a network of 24 offices in the UK and 13 internationally.
2. Coutts offers clients a range of products and services covering sophisticated investment products together with expertise in trust and fiduciary services and UK tax and banking services.
3. Coutts & Co is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England No. 36695. Registered office: 440 Strand, London WC2R 0QS.