How is the retention protected in a Retention Deposit Scheme account?

UK Retention Deposit Scheme

The UK Retention Deposit Scheme is an independent scheme for the protection of retentions under construction contracts.  

We provide segregated bank accounts for construction retentions under standard-form and bespoke construction contracts in England and Wales.

No-cost retention protection
Funds safeguarded at the Bank of England
Open an account for free, online, 24/7
No-cost retention protection
Funds safeguarded at the Bank of England
Open an account for free, online, 24/7
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UK Retention Deposit Scheme

How is the retention protected in a Retention Deposit Scheme account?

Frequently Asked Questions

Your funds are held in segregated client accounts at the Bank of London which, in turn, stores those funds unencumbered at the Bank of England.  The Bank of London is also part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, protecting eligible deposits as well.

For Employers

Support your supply chain and ring-fence your Contractor's retentions.

For Contractors

Secure your retentions and ensure prompt release in line with your contract.

For Sub-Contractors

Protect your retention and insulate yourself from Contractor insolvency.
Retention Protection Pledge Supporter Badge

We support the Retention Protection Pledge

Waiving retentions for contracts under £100,000
Protecting retentions for contracts over £100,000
Committing to fair practices in respect of retentions and payment

As safe as houses.

We secure your retentions at the Bank of England

We don't lend, invest or leverage your retentions.  We simply hold all deposits in full and unencumbered at the Bank of England, always keeping them fully available on demand.

Learn more
  • Bank of England Britannia

    Retentions are safeguarded and protected from the trading activities of any underlying bank, meaning that even if the worst happens to a bank, or there is a run on its funds, or even if anything happens to us, your retentions are 100% secure.