More guarantees for British banks

Banks in Britain, including NAB subsidiary Clydesdale Bank, will enjoy support from a raft of additional props for lending as the nation's government seeks to moderate the recession and the restrictions on credit.

One that might be of use to NAB is the option to sell mortgage-backed securities with a government guarantee. Other asset-backed securities funding consumer loans may also be eligible later on.

The government also confirmed, though with little detail, that it will insure "certain bank assets for a commercial fee".

According to the Financial Times the fee is most likely to be paid through the issue of preference shares to the government, though the Treasury may take cash.

The FT reported the banks will remain responsible for a "first loss" amount, similar to an excess in a normal insurance claim, and will also remain liable for about 10 per cent of the residual loss. The scheme is expected to continue for at least five years.

The government also authorised the Bank of England to set up a £50 billion fund to buy corporate loans from banks, a scheme aimed at distressed commercial banks rather than Clydesdale.