London - The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Britain's second largest bank, is expected to ask shareholders for up to 12 billion pounds (24 billion dollars) of extra cash to improve its financial position, reports said Friday.

The funds are expected to be raised by selling shares to existing investors in a move to be announced next week. RBS, which owns British bank NatWest and Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, has not commented.

In a statement, it would only confirm that it would give a trading update next week as planned. (dpa)