General Barclays Information

Last updated
Save as PDF

Barclays plc is a British multinational universal bank headquartered in London, England, operating under two primary divisions: Barclays UK and Barclays International, supported by Barclays Execution Services. Established in 1690, Barclays has grown through numerous acquisitions and innovations, such as introducing the world's first cash dispenser in 1967. Publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, Barclays is a major component of the FTSE 100 Index and is rec

Barclays Overview

Barclays plc is a British multinational universal bank with its headquarters at One Churchill Place in Canary Wharf, London. The bank operates under two primary divisions: Barclays UK and Barclays International, both supported by Barclays Execution Services.

Historical Background

Barclays traces its origins back to 1690, starting as a goldsmith banking business in the City of London. The partnership saw significant growth when James Barclay joined in 1736. In 1896, Barclays unified with twelve other banks, including Goslings Bank and Backhouse's Bank, forming Barclays and Co. This consolidation marked the beginning of its expansion into a nationwide banking institution.

Major Milestones

Barclays has been at the forefront of banking innovations and acquisitions:

1967: Introduced the world's first cash dispenser.
Acquisitions:
- London, Provincial and South Western Bank (1918)
- British Linen Bank (1919)
- Mercantile Credit (1975)
- The Woolwich (2000)
- North American operations of Lehman Brothers (2008)

Corporate Structure and Listings

Barclays is publicly traded, listed primarily on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BARC) and secondarily on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BCS). It is a component of the FTSE 100 Index and is recognized as a systemically important bank by the Financial Stability Board.

Financial Overview (2023)

Revenue: £25.378 billion
Operating Income: £6.557 billion
Net Income: £5.323 billion
Total Assets: £1.477 trillion
Total Equity: £71.864 billion
Employees: 81,000

Operations and Services

Barclays operates in over 40 countries, making it the fifth largest bank in Europe by total assets. The bank provides a wide range of services across its two main divisions:

Barclays UK:
- Retail banking
- Consumer credit card business
- Wealth management
- Corporate banking for businesses of various sizes in the UK
Barclays International:
- Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank (formerly Barclays Capital)
- Consumer, Cards & Payments business
- Investment banking services including advisory, financing, and risk management for large corporations, institutions, and government clients

Global Impact and Influence

Barclays has been identified as a major player in the global financial system. A 2011 study ranked it as the most powerful transnational corporation in terms of ownership and corporate control over global financial stability and market competition.

Notable Facts

Barclays was the first to deploy a cash dispenser in 1967.
It is a primary dealer in Gilts, U.S. Treasury securities, and various European government bonds.
The bank’s name has always been spelled without an apostrophe since its registration as "Barclay and Company, Limited" in 1896, later becoming "Barclays Bank Limited" in 1917, and "Barclays Bank PLC" in 1982.

Leadership

Group Chairman: Nigel Higgins
Group Chief Executive: C. S. Venkatakrishnan

In conclusion, Barclays continues to be a pivotal entity in the banking and financial services industry, with a rich history of innovation and expansion, maintaining a significant global presence and influence.