The pitch for Ulster Bank's business is down to three agencies: Des O'Meara, AFA and DDFH&B.

The latter's inclusion on the shortlist is viewed with surprise because the agency already handles another financial institution, Irish Life.

The business up for grabs is small. It is only the bank's retail side so the media outlay is less than £250,000. But about 10 agencies initially tendered, showing how attractive even a small bit of bank business is.