ROYAL Bank of Scotland is believed to be considering handing small business lending decisions back to its retail branch managers.

At the moment small business lending is part of the bank's corporate division. RBS was criticised for the way it deals with small business customers by Sir Andrew Large in his report into its lending last year.

Chief executive Ross McEwan is expected to unveil his new strategic vision for RBS when publishing annual results next month.

Another move thought to be on the drawing board is the closure of private banking functions at both RBS and Natwest with customers given the choice to move assets to Coutts.