The Amsterdam-based lender was somewhat cryptic about his departure, slated for 28 February, only saying that it was his wish to return to the UK and be closer to family and a new opportunity.

Dutch bank ABN AMRO has announced that its chief financial officer and vice chairman, Clifford Abrahams, has decided to leave the bank in February 2021 to pursue opportunities outside the bank back in the UK.

Abraham spent 10 years at Aviva Investors in the UK, rising to CFO, before joining Amsterdam-based financial services group Delta Lloyd as group CFO. He left Delta in September 2017 to take up the same role at ABN AMBRO for a three-year term, according to his public profile.

The bank did not specify where Abrahams was heading next, only that it was a "great opportunity" and a search was underway for his replacement.

"I fully understand that this opportunity together with his personal wish to work closer to his home and family in the UK is an offer he can’t refuse. Until 28 February 2021 Clifford will be fully committed to ABN AMR,” CEO Robert Swaak said. "After our Q4 results in February 2021 we will take time to thank Clifford extensively for his valuable contribution as CFO over the past four years.”

Abrahams said that he was excited about the new UK opportunity but sad to leave. “ABN AMRO has great professionals to work with and a meaningful purpose. I have huge respect for Robert and my colleagues in the Executive Committee."