Abbey is part of the Santander Group – one of the ten largest banks in the world by market capitalisation with 65 million customers worldwide. The combination of the heritage and familiarity of the Abbey brand backed by the experience, expertise and systems of Santander is driving Abbey's plans to become the best bank in the UK.

Santander has an AA* credit rating and a strong retail focus with more branches worldwide than any other international bank

As part of Santander, Abbey’s first half 2008 profit grew by 20%

Abbey is one of the UK's leading personal financial services companies, offering a range of financial services, both direct and through intermediaries. The range of services includes mortgages and savings, bank accounts, loans and credit cards, long-term investments including pensions and unit trusts, life, critical illness and unemployment cover and household insurance.

Abbey first established the National Freehold Land and Building Society in 1849. In 1944 it became Abbey National through the merger with the Abbey Road Building Society. In July 1989, it was the first building society to convert to plc status and to be floated on the London Stock Exchange.

Abbey is one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings accounts in the UK.

Abbey's main offices are in London, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Glasgow and Belfast.

Some of Abbey's brands include:
  • Abbey for Intermediaries
  • Abbey Business
  • Abbey International
  • Cahoot
  • Cater Allen
  • James Hay
  • Premium Investments
  • Santander Global Banking & Markets (SGFM)