Savings account formerly in the States, say (5)

I believe the answer is:

tessa

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'savings account' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in the states say' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'TESSA' can be found hidden inside 'states say'.

'formerly' is the link.
This may not be correct. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

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(Other definitions for tessa that I've seen before include "Woman" , "Girl" , "Girl's name; former savings account" , "Tax-exempt special savings account" , "Girl's name, forerunner of ISA" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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