Intelligent finance were created because Halifax recognised the move towards internet banking and followed several other companies in forming a new brand to target that part of the market. Egg was created by the Prudential and Abbey National formed Cahoot. Halifax claim that IF was formed to offer customers a better deal and in some situations that's true because they don't have the overheads of a high street branch network, but customers should still shop around and use comparison services to ensure they are getting a great deal.