A SWEDISH bank which exclusively serves local people has opened its doors in Winchester.

Staff at the Handelsbanken branch, opened in Crown Walk, Jewry Street, will have discretion over who receives loans or even opens an account.

The bank will turn down customers if it cannot guarantee an “individual service” and branch policy will be dictated by the needs and economic landscape of the city.

Branch manager John Gornall said he hoped to revive one-on-one banking, which survived longer in Winchester than in other Hampshire cities.

He said: “It was not that long ago you had a traditional bank manager in Winchester. It’s obviously an affluent area. Our client base remembers what banking looked like. Our particular way of banking suits the Winchester market ideally.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The Handelsbanken branch on the corner of Jewry Street and North Walls

“We have no targets, no budgets and no bonuses. It re-establishes the trust between the banking community and the clients.”

Around 30 new customers attended the opening by Winchester MP Steve Brine on Monday (Sep 22).

Mr Brine said: “It's been quite an eye-opener to hear how they operate. It's very clear to me what a self-confident company this is, providing a genuinely different service in the area.

"From talking to customers at the opening event, and some future customers, it's clear to me they value the bespoke banking experience on offer and are prepared to pay for it. I think they will do very well in Winchester."