UBS, the Swiss investment bank, has maintained buy ratings on its key UK domestic bank picks after April Bank of England lending data showed robust loan growth alongside signs of intensifying deposit competition from major high street rivals. Total UK lending rose 4.6% year on year in April, unchanged from the six-month average, with corporate lending the standout performer at 8.6% growth, followed by consumer credit at 5.6% and mortgages at 3.2%.