Virgin Money – Financial services (retail banking & financial products)

Overview

Virgin Money is a financial‑services brand founded in the United Kingdom in 1995 (originally launched as Virgin Direct) and expanded into retail banking, mortgages, savings, credit cards and business banking under the Virgin Money name. (en.wikipedia.org)

Ownership and corporate status

The UK banking business that traded as Virgin Money was acquired by Nationwide Building Society following a recommended cash acquisition announced in March 2024; the scheme became effective and the transaction completed on 1 October 2024, after which the Virgin Money UK business became part of the Nationwide group. (investegate.co.uk)

Brand and licensing

The Virgin Money name and related trademarks are controlled and licensed by Virgin Enterprises (part of the Virgin Group). The Virgin Money brand is used by independent licensees in different markets: notably Virgin Money UK (now owned by Nationwide) and Virgin Money Australia (operates under a licence and is owned by the Bank of Queensland). This means the brand origin is UK (Virgin Group) while the operating business ownership differs by territory. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical summary for data systems

• Brand origin: United Kingdom (Virgin Group / Virgin Enterprises). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Current ultimate owner of the Virgin Money UK banking business: Nationwide Building Society (United Kingdom), acquisition completed 1 October 2024. (voxmarkets.co.uk)
• Brand/licence arrangements: Virgin Enterprises retains control of the brand and licenses it to local operators (e.g., Bank of Queensland in Australia). (en.wikipedia.org)