Halifax could disappear from UK high streets as Lloyds assesses branding strategy

Bank founded 174 years ago could be phased out from as early as 1 July as part of group's review

Bosses at Lloyds Banking Group are considering axing the Halifax as a standalone brand, as part of a sweeping review that could result in the historic 174-year-old lender disappearing from Britain's high streets.

Lloyds has been assessing the future of its branding strategy and whether it will continue to operate everyday banking under three different brands - Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland - after government-backed rescue efforts at the height of the 2008 financial crisis.