Ulster Bank owner NatWest posts €1bn profit in three months, putting focus back on exit from Republic

NatWest -- the owner of Ulster Bank -- posted an unexpectedly large rise in group operating profit to €1bn in the quarter suggesting a rapid recovery from the Covid crisis and putting the spotlight back on its decision to close its doors in the Republic.
However, the UK banking giant in its update made no new reference to the plans it announced in February, which will lead to the closure of 88 branches in the Republic and the loss of around 3,000 people north and south. NatWest had made the decision after a five-month review because it said it could use its capital better elsewhere.