A few months ago, the world was talking about the implications of a Scottish split from the UK.
NAB was considering a contingency plan if the 'yes' vote eventuated, because its Clydesdale business is based in Glasgow.
That didn't happen, but now NAB has committed to splitting from the UK instead.
Australia's fourth biggest bank posted a $5.18 billion full year cash profit today, a fall of 9.8 per cent.
That fall was largely attributed to its underperforming Yorkshire and Clydesdale banks in the UK, which are responsible for $1.5 billion in after tax UK conduct provisions and other impairments.
Today, new CEO Andrew Thorburn said in a Sydney media conference that "we do intend to exit our UK business and we're looking at wider exit options."
One of those options could be a public float.
East & Partners Banking Analyst Lachlan Colquhoun told SBS World News a float presented its own challenges.
"This is a messy and expensive way to get out and there isn't any indication of tremendous demand in a float," he said.
"They're trying the same thing in the United States with Great Western, and they've have to take a haircut on the price they've taken there."
NAB said any money raised for the sale will be reinvested into its profitable Australian and New Zealand businesses, to build on its strengths.
NAB is Australia's number one business bank and is seeking greater exposure in health and agribusiness.
It's competing fiercly in the home lending market.
About six years ago, the company was insistant that journalists use 'NAB' when talking about the business.
It will be interesting from a branding perspective to see if 'National Australia Bank' will feature more predominately to emphasise its new focus on building its business in Australia.
