Viscount Younger, Chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland Group announced today that, by mutual agreement, Richard Delbridge is to leave the organisation and will resign his directorship at National Westminster Bank on 30 April, 2000 as his normal retirement age would preclude him from providing long term leadership to the finance function in the enlarged Group. Fred Goodwin, Group Chief Executive in announcing his final set of key management appointments has confirmed today that, with immediate effect, Grahame Whitehead, Finance and Risk Director, UK Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland will become Group Chief Financial Officer of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and National Westminster Bank.

Viscount Younger commented: "Richard Delbridge has had a distinguished banking career spanning three decades and has made an enormous contribution to NatWest as a Director and Chief Financial Officer. I am very grateful to Richard for the help that he is giving to Fred Goodwin and his team."

Outlining the reasoning behind his decision Mr Delbridge said: "I would have enjoyed the prospect of participating in the enlarged Group but I am reluctant to start something that I could not see through to conclusion. Leaving now enables me to pursue my intention of building a portfolio of business interests."

Prior to taking up his current position at NatWest Mr Delbridge was Group Finance Director at HSBC and Midland Bank, following 14 years at JP Morgan & Co Inc. where he held various senior executive positions.

For further information, please contact:-

Howard Moody
Director, Corporate Affairs
0131 523 2056