More than half of the UK's 43 building societies are finalists in this year’s Moneyfacts awards.

In total 24 building societies have reached the finals across nine mortgage categories; five savings and current account categories; plus the Innovation in Personal Finance and Personal Finance Provider of the Year categories  In total the sector appears 71 times in the list of finalists. The winners of the awards will be announced on 11 June 2019.

Lee Tillcock, Editor of Moneyfacts, said: “All the finalists at this year's Moneyfacts Awards should be proud of their achievements, with building societies once again displaying a strong showing. Following a positive year for the building society sector in both lending and savings markets, providers have filled many of the finalist positions.

“Despite the current political uncertainty and challenging market conditions, businesses have continued to offer value, choice and innovation across the personal finance sector. By providing the products and services that best meet the needs of consumers, the Moneyfacts Awards showcase those building society providers who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and excellence that will serve them well during the next year.”

Robin Fieth, Chief Executive of the Building Societies Association, said: “Having so many building societies reach the final of the Moneyfacts Awards is testament to the fact that they have stayed resolutely focused on serving and innovating for their existing and new members.  This has been achieved despite the pervasive uncertainty generated by our exit from the EU and strong competition across all markets.  All the finalists should be proud of their achievement whether they have been recognised in one or multiple categories.”

Ends

Press Contact:

Hilary McVitty, Head of External Affairs, BSA Tel: 0207 520 5926 or 07507 837 326

Notes to Editors:

1. The following societies are finalists in the Moneyfacts 2019 Awards: 

2. The relevant award categories are:

• Personal Finance Provider of the Year
• Innovation in Personal Finance

Mortgages

• Best Fixed-Rate Mortgage Provider
• Best Variable Rate Mortgage Provider
• Best Re-mortgage Provider
• Best First-Time Buyer Mortgage Provider
• Best Online Mortgage Provider
• Mortgage Intermediaries Choice
• Best Service from a Mortgage Provider
• Regional lending Provider
• Best Building Society Mortgage Provider

Savings

• Best no notice account provider
• Best notice account provider
• Best Cash ISA Provider
• Best Current Account Provider
• Best Building Society Savings Provider  

The full list of finalists can be found on the Moneyfacts website. 

The Building Societies Association (BSA) represents all 43 UK building societies, as well as 4 credit unions. Building societies serve over 25 million consumers across the UK.  They have total assets of over £400 billion and, together with their subsidiaries, hold residential mortgages of over £320 billion, 23% of the total outstanding in the UK. They hold over £280 billion of retail deposits, accounting for 19% of all such deposits in the UK. Building societies account for 37% of all cash ISA balances. They employ approximately 42,500 full and part-time staff and operate through approximately 1,470 branches.  (as at December 2018)