NatWest Nears Full Private Ownership After Government Bailout

NatWest Group is on the verge of returning to full private ownership for the first time since its 2008 bailout, with the UK government's stake now below 3%. Chair Rick Haythornthwaite and other leaders expressed deep gratitude to UK taxpayers and the government for their intervention during the financial crisis, which safeguarded millions of savers, homeowners, and businesses. Haythornthwaite emphasized that NatWest has 'fixed the issues of the past,' transformed into a simpler, safer, and more customer-focused bank, and is now poised for growth. Despite the progress, the government is expected to recoup only about £25 billion of the £46 billion bailout, selling its shares below the original price paid. The return to private hands is seen as a symbolic new chapter, marking NatWest’s recovery and shift towards supporting economic growth and innovation. The bank’s leadership assured shareholders it would not return to risky practices that led to the original crisis.