'Political football' RBS strives for makeover

Despite ongoing headlines about its disgraced boss and large bonuses, the bailed-out bank has been quietly trying to restore its fortunes, writes Ben Griffiths in London.

Stephen Hester, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland. Photo: Bloomberg
Stephen Hester, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland. Photo: Bloomberg

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has never been far from controversy since British taxpayers were forced to step in with a £45 billion bailout following the financial crisis of 2008.

The once-proud institution has again been dominating British newspaper front pages following public outrage over a near-£1 million bonus for boss Stephen Hester, and the decision to strip former chief executive Fred Goodwin of ...