Back to main menu
Search
Search
Overlay

Press Release:

NatWest Group has today confirmed that it has returned to full private ownership, with His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) no longer holding any shares in the business.

Following two separate recapitalistations in 2008 and 2009, HMT’s economic ownership of the Group totalled 84.4%, a shareholding that has reduced during the intervening years through a number of Accelerated Book Builds, Directed Buy Backs and a government-led trading plan.

 

Commenting on the announcement, NatWest Group Chair, Rick Haythornthwaite, said:

“As NatWest Group returns to full private ownership for the first time since 2008, we remain deeply grateful to the government – and to UK taxpayers – for their intervention and support. At a time of global crisis, this intervention stabilised our banking system and, by extension, our economy; protecting millions of savers, homeowners and businesses. 

“Banks in the UK have changed beyond recognition since 2008. So too the regulatory environment and culture across the City. Critically, the pace of technological advances has fundamentally altered how people live and work, including how they choose to access financial services and manage their money. 

“We are at an inflexion point not just for our bank, but for the wider economy.  Growth is once again at the top of the national agenda and the financial services sector has an important role to play, driving investment and job creation throughout the country – all in the service of our customers.” 

 

NatWest Group Chief Executive, Paul Thwaite added:

“This is a significant moment for NatWest Group, for all those who work here and for the UK more widely. As we turn the page on the financial crisis, we can look to the future with confidence, without forgetting the lessons of the past.

“I am proud to have been part of the team that has helped build a simpler, safer, more customer-focussed bank. It is thanks to the incredible loyalty of our customers and colleagues, along with the support of our shareholders - including the UK taxpayer - that this change has been possible. 

“Today we have a strategy that is working, positive momentum in our business and a clear ambition to succeed with our customers.

“This is a sector that matters; strong economies need strong banks, and vice versa. At a time when there is a clear intent to deliver growth, NatWest is ready to step up to the challenge, shaping our future as a vital and trusted partner to our customers and to the UK itself.”  

Chair Rick Haythornthwaite's statement

Our Chair discusses how our return to full private ownership marks a new, forward-looking chapter for the bank.

Download video transcript

CEO Paul Thwaite's reflections

Our CEO talks with colleague Dipesh Mistry about the bank we are today and what our return to private ownership means for NatWest Group.

Download video transcript

Factsheets

See how we’re simpler, safer and more UK-focussed

Download factsheet

View a timeline on government ownership and capital distributions

Download factsheet

Look through a detailed timeline of key moments linked to NatWest Group’s return to private ownership

Download factsheet

More media resources

Visit our news room for media resources, including photo library and media contacts.

The material published on this page is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as providing any specific advice, or used by consumers to make financial decision. Terms and conditions apply to any products or services mentioned.

Latest news and insights

New family-backed mortgages

We've launched a new mortgage allowing eligible customers to apply for a joint mortgage with a family member or friend, while still buying the property in their own name.

More on new mortgages

Supporting Leeds Bradford airport ambitions

We’re supporting InfraBridge and Leeds Bradford Airport with a £160 million package to advance the airport’s ambitious terminal expansion and upgrade project.

Read about our support

Building money confidence in young people

We’re combining 30 years of our community initiatives into a bigger and better NatWest Thrive programme to help the next generation build their financial futures.

Learn about Thrive

Related stories

All stories & press releases
scroll to top