article_snippet.sent: RBS is thought to be facing a multibillion-pound settlement in the US for mis-selling toxic bundles of mortgage debt – known as mortgage-backed securities –
article_snippet.sent: But the UK’s strengthening economy has driven a 72 per cent drop in losses from bad loans, with write-offs falling to £5.2billion last year.
article_snippet.sent: RBS was boosted by £1.4billion after not as many loans went sour as RBS had feared.
article_snippet.sent: So-called ‘impairment charges’ at Lloyds fell £2billion to £752million as the improving economy meant fewer retail customers and businesses defaulted on fewer retail customers and businesses repayments.
article_snippet.sent: RBS’s losses narrowed to £3.5billion last year from £8.2billion in 2013. 
article_snippet.sent: Barclays saw profits fall.
article_snippet.sent: Banks including RBS and Barclays have responded by shrinking Banks including RBS and Barclays investment banking arms.