It could be well over a year before HBOS staff in the Isle of Man find out if they've still got jobs, according to Director of Isle of Man Finance John Spellman.
He also believes they haven't got too much to worry about, following news of a £12 billion takeover of the group by Lloyds TSB.
Clerical Medical and Bank of Scotland International both employ staff in the Island and both companies are owned by the HBOS group.
Those employees will be worried about their jobs, but Mr Spellman says the takeover shouldn't affect them too much (audio file attached):
(Picture: John Spellman).