The starting gun on Ulster Bank's departure from the Irish market was sounded last February when, after months of speculation, it confirmed that it would gradually wind down its operations here.
While the process has a bit to go yet, today for the first time the finishing line came into sight.
Publishing its quarterly results, Ulster Bank announced that it would start writing to customers from early next year outlining what they need to do.
While it's not a 'take action now' warning, it is a notice to be ready to move.
So what's happening today?
From today Ulster Bank will no longer accept new applications for savings accounts, current accounts, credit cards or loans.
New mortgage applications will still be accepted, but only from existing customers.
Those who have existing accounts with the bank need not do anything as yet.
However, they are being urged by Ulster Bank to 'consider their options, avail of supports and get ready to choose a new banking provider, especially for current and deposit accounts.'
Should I just put this out of my mind until next year then?
By law, customers must be given at least two months' notice before their accounts are closed.
Ulster Bank has said it intends to start serving formal account closure notices to current account and deposit account customers early next year.
That gives customers time, but according to Daragh Cassidy of price comparison website bonkers.ie, current account customers in particular should think about moving sooner rather than later.
"While Ulster Bank mortgage customers are likely to see their loans sold to Permanent TSB and AIB, no such deal is likely to be reached for current account customers for practical reasons, meaning account holders must seek a new provider themselves," Mr Cassidy said.
"With Ulster Bank and KBC planning to leave the market, choice has diminished, but there are still eight providers of current account services in Ireland: AIB, An Post, Bank of Ireland, the Credit Union, EBS, N26, Permanent TSB and Revolut," he added.
What's the situation with my Ulster Bank loan?
The bank said it continues to make progress with AIB and Permanent TSB on the sale of its performing loan books.
AIB agreed to buy €4.1 billion of corporate and business loans from the bank, while Permanent TSB is on course to acquire €7.6 billion of standard mortgages and small business loans as well as 25 branches from Ulster Bank.
Discussions are said to be "ongoing" with other parties about their potential interest in other parts of the bank.
This may include Ulster Bank's tracker mortgage book, which is valued at about €6.5 billion.
There were reports earlier in the year that AIB was in talks to acquire the low margin loans.
