Halifax brand to disappear after 173 years as Lloyds confirms major banking shake-up

The iconic Halifax banking brand is set to disappear after 173 years, with Lloyds Banking Group confirming that all Halifax customer accounts will be rebranded under the Lloyds name.

The move follows reports earlier this year that Lloyds was considering phasing out the historic brand, which has been part of Britain's banking landscape since it was founded as the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society in 1853. The transition will take place throughout 2027, with Halifax branches either being rebranded as Lloyds or merged with nearby Lloyds locations.

Lloyds Banking Group has stressed that the changes will have little impact on customers. Existing account holders will keep their current account numbers, sort codes, banking app features and branch staff, with no immediate changes to day-to-day banking services.

The banking giant also confirmed there will be no job losses as part of the rebranding programme. Around 3,000 employees will continue to work at the company's Trinity Road headquarters in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where Lloyds recently invested £116 million in modernising the site.

Halifax Labour MP Kate Dearden described the decision as "bitterly disappointing", saying the Halifax name represents an important part of the town's identity and heritage. Local leaders have welcomed Lloyds' commitment to maintaining its presence in the area but said many residents will be saddened to see such a well-known name disappear from Britain's high streets.

Founded in 1853, Halifax grew to become one of the world's largest building societies before converting into a bank in 1997. It later merged with the Bank of Scotland to form HBOS in 2001, before being acquired by Lloyds Banking Group during the financial crisis in 2009.

Lloyds said the decision reflects its strategy to simplify its banking brands, arguing that the distinction between Halifax and Lloyds has become less significant over time. Despite the name change, the group insists its long-standing relationship with the town of Halifax will remain unchanged.

The announcement marks the end of one of the UK's most recognisable financial brands, bringing to a close more than 170 years of banking history.