ABN Amro has launched Financial Institutions Equity Partners, a new buy-out business separate from ABN Amro Capital, to focus on financial services opportunities.

The new unit could break the pattern at ABN Amro by seeking funds from external investors. Arnold van Os, who heads the new business unit, said: "The bank is prepared to allocate up to €400m ($470m) to this. After that, we would have to seek third-party investors." Van Os said he plans to invest between €50m and €100m a year, in three to four deals a year.