Celtic FC creates financial services division for fans
Celtic Football Club has teamed up with Aegon UK to launch a range of financial services products for supporters. Products available through Celtic FC Money will include mortgages, life insurance, investments, annuities and pensions.
Celtic FC Money will also offer independent financial advice from Aegon-owned adviser company Origen. Part of the revenues from financial services products will go back to the club.
A dedicated website, www. celticfcmoney.net, will provide information and news on financial products, and a jargon-buster section. Supporters can also call for financial advice.
Aegon UK chief executive Otto Thoresen says the service aims to make it easier for Celtic supporters to get financial advice.
The Glasgow club had an average gate of more than 58,000 in the 2005-2006 season, making it second to Manchester United in terms of average attendance for any UK football club. It is thought Celtic will leverage the service through its website and promotions to fans.
Celtic FC has previously launched a credit card, available in the UK, Ireland and the US with MBNA (MW April 3, 2003). It also offers a celticsaver account through Soccer Savings, the largest independent provider of savings accounts to football fans in the UK.
Other clubs, including Manchester United, offer similar affinity card schemes as well as branded financial services through partner banks and societies.
