Fitch warns of negative implications of ICB review for UK banks

Major UK banks have been warned by ratings agency Fitch that the outcome of the Independent Commission on Banking's (ICB) review could have ''negative implications'' for them.

According to the agency a restructuring of UK banking could result in lower government support.

This would have implications for Edinburgh-based Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group – owner of Bank of Scotland – both of which are part-nationalised.

The ICB's interim report would be published on Monday.

Meanwhile,  a Reuters poll of 11 analysts and fund managers has revealed that the majority of them believe Barclays would be the worst loser if the ICB proposes separation of retail banking and investment businesses.

Savers would get a measure of protection in the event of a failure of an institution's investment banking operations but it might lead to higher funding costs.