Frank O'Donnell

In an attempt to break into high street banking, Virgin Money has hired three top executives to support its bid ahead of its RBS branch bid.

Following Virgin Money preparing itself to bid for parts of Royal Bank of Scotland and Northern Rock after buying small private bank Church House Trust.

Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia has recruited former RBS executive Finlay Williamson as finance director. Former Bradford & Bingley director of savings Ian Cornelius has also joined as banking director while Marcus Ezekiel, head of legal for HBOS retail banking arm will become commercial director.

The financial services business owned by Sir Richard Branson received another boost this weekend when billionaire investor Wilbur Ross expressed interest in his plans.