RBS makes new hire to build its 'world-class digital services'

Frans Woelders, ABN AMRO's former chief executive of retail banking, will join RBS on 1 May, to fill the newly created role of chief digital officer of personal and business banking, reporting directly to the division's chief executive, Les Matheson.

With NatWest's mobile app being voted the best banking app in the UK at the British Bank Awards, Woelders sought to build upon this success and drive digital advancement at scale across all of the bank's customer journeys, highlighting the likes of NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland's paperless mortgage process as examples of the kind of experience RBS' customers should come to expect as standard.

Les Matheson, chief executive of the personal and business banking division, said, "These changes signal our intent to transform our business around the experiences and needs of our customers. We will do this by combining the mindset, behaviours and approach of a fintech, with our competitive advantages; highly professional and caring colleagues, deep expertise in technology, a large existing customer base, and our great brands."

On his appointment, Frans Woelders, added, "I am delighted to be joining RBS as it strives to become the best bank for its customers and build upon its digital services at pace. Customers are increasingly seeking to self-serve in their own time and looking for ease and simplicity in the way they do their banking. I’m looking forward to helping RBS to build upon its already award-winning platforms."

As of 1340 BST, shares had dialled back 0.42% to 269.90p.