first-e the internet bank online help

1. Why has first-e closed its UK operations?
2. Why was I not informed of first-e's closure?
3. How do I get my money?
4. Are my funds safe?
5. Can I use my first-e cheque book or Maestro card?
6. Where Can I find out more information about Self Trade?
7. Can I still open an an account with Self Trade?

1. Why has first-e closed its UK operations

Following a review of its business operations, Banque d'Escompte, trading as first-e the internet bank, entered into an agreement with the UK branch of Self Trade SA, an investment firm owned by DAB Bank AG (Direkt Anlage Bank).

first-e withdrew its internet channel in the UK on 3 October 2001, and made arrangements whereby UK customers of the bank could have their funds transferred upon request into new Self Trade online investment accounts.

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2. Why was I not informed of first-e's closure?

UK customers were notified on Sep 6 2,001 by e-mail, in accordance with first-e's standard Terms and Conditions and given assistance to either close their accounts completely or transfer their funds into an investment account with Self Trade , the UK subsidiary of Direkt Anlage Bank.
To ensure customers were kept informed, our website has been updated on an ongoing basis following the announcement.

In addition, over the following 4 weeks, all customers were repeatedly e-mailed at the addresses which we hold on record. In addition, an information pack was posted to all customers and a press release was issued.

We very much regret if you did not receive these communications for some reason. We will do everything possible to assist you to transfer your funds.

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3. How do I get my money?

You will no longer be able to access your first-e account(s) over the internet. The transfer of the remaining balance on your account and subsequent account closure must be requested by signed letter or fax which may be downloaded in in PDF or Word format. Please note that transfer and/or account closure requests by e-mail will not be accepted.
Our contact details are :

Banque d'Escompte
13 boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris
France

Fax : 00 33 1 42 46 12 19

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4. Are my funds safe?

Yes, your deposits are safe. Banque d'Escompte continues to trade normally and customer deposits are under no threat whatsoever. Of course your money remains yours and you can claim it at any time, using the relevant form in PDF or Word format. Please note that transfer and/or account closure request by e-mail will not be accepted. The form needs to be faxed or posted.

Banque d'Escompte customers are protected by the regulatory protection offered by the French retail banking industry. The French National Banks' Deposit Guarantee Fund (fonds de guarantie des depots), provides cover for up to EURO 70,000 (equivalent to £44,000) in the unlikely event of the bank going into liquidation. This compares with the £18,000 regulatory protection offered to UK banks

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5. Can I use my first-e cheque book or Maestro card?

We regret that it is no longer possible to use any first-e account features including cheque books and Maestro cards.

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6. Where Can I find out more information about Self Trade?

Full information is available on www.selftrade.co.uk. If you have a specific query regarding Self Trade, you may contact Self Trade's Customer Service Department at the address given on this site.

Any arrangements made between you and Self Trade UK on this site are at your sole risk and responsibility. Banque d'Escompte makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness or any other aspect of the information contained on this site or sites linked to this site. first-e the internet bank shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance upon such information or service or for any arrangement entered into by you with Self Trade UK as a result of agreeing to become their customer.

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7. Can I still open an an account with Self Trade?

Yes. Go to www.selftrade.co.uk and click on the "register now" button. You will need to complete the short application form and select "first-e" from the menu when asked "How did you find out about us?"

You will receive confirmation that your new investment account has been created from Self Trade, along with your new account number. The account with Self Trade is for investment purposes only and is not a current nor savings account.

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