Nationwide is the largest building society in the world with assets totaling £193 billion. Originally known as the Co-operative Permanent, in 1970 it changed its name to the Nationwide Building Society to reflect is status around the country. Nationwide Building Society was the first banking provider to offer internet banking in 1997. Nationwide Building Society provides financial services both directly, and through around 700 branches. Nationwide is a major provider of both mortgage loans and savings in the UK, as well as personal banking such as loans, credit cards, bank accounts and insurance products.