Midland Bank biggest bank in the world, the building is currently (2015) under development as a hotel. HSBC UK swift code (all offices in the United Kingdom) being "MIDLGB22" reflects its past as the Midland Bank. The Midland Bank was famous for its golden griffin logo, surrounded by golden coins originally introduced in 1965 on a black, then later blue background, and for its slogan "the listening bank," written by the advertising executive Rod Allen. Advertisements for the bank appeared in the popular computer game "Theme Park". The Midland Bank still traded as Midland Bank, but using the HSBC logo from 1997,
The Co-operative Bank the bank undertook an advertising campaign to promote its Ethical Policy. The Co-operative Bank brand subsequently came top in YouGov's survey of the most improved brands of 2015. The bank launched a separate internet-only operation known as smile in 1999. It has around half a million customers. Smile has its call centre based at a unique pyramid building in Stockport. In October 2008, it was reported that Co-operative Financial Services was in talks with Britannia Building Society with a view to sharing facilities and possibly a full merger. Such a venture was facilitated by the passing of the Building Societies