Barclays

Barclays is a British multinational bank with origins dating back to 1690 when goldsmith bankers John Freame and Thomas Gould began operations in London’s Lombard Street. The name “Barclays” became official in 1736 when James Barclay joined the firm, and by 1896 it had grown through the merger of several banks into Barclay & Co., marking its emergence as a formal banking institution. Today, Barclays operates through two main divisions—Barclays UK and Barclays International—offering retail banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management, and corporate services. With around £1.5 trillion in assets and a presence in over 40 countries, we deliver comprehensive financial solutions that blend deep heritage with modern innovation.