NatWest has offloaded its 12% stake in Permanent TSB, marking another definitive step in its phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland. The exit follows its 2023 branch closures and the handback of its Irish banking licence last month, signalling the near-completion of its departure after years of underperformance post-financial crisis.

While Ulster Bank continues to operate in Northern Ireland, the remaining Republic-based assets are now in the hands of Ulydien DAC. For NatWest, the move closes a costly chapter and tightens strategic focus on core markets.

Read the full article to see what this means for cross-border banking and the Irish financial landscape.