SME bank in talks with Bibby over backing for foray into Irish market

German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble (centre) with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to sign an agreement establishing the new Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Picture: Photocall

The government’s new €800 million SME bank, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), is in advanced discussions with a prominent non-bank lender about backing its foray into the Irish market.

Bibby Financial Services provides more than €700 million in ...