Acquisition of NatWest Bank - Update

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC
19 April 2000


         The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc ('RBS')

  Acquisition of National Westminster Bank Plc ('NatWest') -
                            Update

Sir  George  Mathewson, Executive Deputy  Chairman,  and  Fred
Goodwin, Group Chief Executive, of RBS will today report to  a
meeting  of banking analysts progress in the first 30 days  of
the  integration  of NatWest.  The report will  in  particular
focus upon:

Objective                                 Progress

Application of new group architecture     Completed
Confirmation of all key appointments and  Completed
responsibilities
Alignment of internal control structure   Completed
Finalisation of detailed three year       Completed
operating plan for all units

RBS has validated cost savings and revenue synergies and these
and their phasing will be presented at the meeting.
Commenting on progress Fred Goodwin will say 'We have been
encouraged by our review of NatWest since the acquisition was
completed on 6 March and are pleased to report that we have
successfully achieved the objectives we set ourselves for the
first 30 days.'

Change of Year End

Sir George Mathewson will report that the Board has decided to
move the financial year end for the Enlarged RBS Group to 31
December, from 30 September.  The year end will thus be the
same as the NatWest year end used to be.

RBS' six month figures to 31 March 2000, excluding any NatWest
contribution, will be announced in summary form on 4 May 2000;
the Enlarged RBS Group's interim figures for the period ending
30 June 2000 will be announced in August.

No decision has yet been taken by the Board as to the level
and timing of the interim and final dividends; the Board will
take into consideration the implication of the change of year
end for all shareholders.

All shareholders will also receive their Additional Value
Shares in July, following an EGM in June.

Press Enquiries:    Howard Moody    Tel:  [phone]
                    Group Director, Communications