Challenger bank Handelsbanken is opening its 200th branch in the UK, doubling its size in just three years and becoming one of the fastest growing players taking on the big high street brands. The rapid growth has taken place in part because of the strong financial position of its Swedish parent group, which has few capital constraints on expanding in Britain. But it has also come despite Handelsbanken spending next to nothing on marketing; it does not even have a central marketing department. The bank's unconventional approach also extends to its growth prospects, with chief executive Anders Bouvin saying he has no concrete targets. "We don't do fixed planning at all, I have no plan. ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/11853896/No-marketing-No-plan-How-Handelsbanken-hit-200-branches-in-the-UK.html