Company plans to open a new banking branch in Ireland, which would allow it to offer a wider range of financial products and services

The move comes days after the Central Bank said lenders' inadequate support was contributing to rising short-term mortgage arrears levels

Spanish-owned lender Avant Money said its fixed rates would be cut by up to 0.3% and that it is targeting first-time buyers in the main, due to their requirement for a higher loan-to-value mortgage

Lender has cut its rates fixed for three years to 2.35% and its 10-year fixed rate to 2.65%

There is no question over KBC Bank staying in Ireland despite it posting a hefty €48m loss during the 2020 pandemic, and even while all banks struggle to make healthy returns in the market, its chief executive in Ireland Peter Roebben has said.