UK Government Sells Final Shares in NatWest, Marking End of 17-Year State Ownership
The UK government has sold its last shares in NatWest, concluding a significant chapter in British banking history since the 2008 financial crisis bailout.
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Overview
The UK government has completed the sale of its remaining shares in NatWest Group, ending 17 years of state ownership following a £45 billion bailout during the 2008 financial crisis. The sale, which resulted in a £10 billion loss to taxpayers, symbolizes a return to full private ownership for the bank, formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of the bailout in protecting the economy and savers. The government has now exited all banks it aided during the crisis, raising questions about the current stability of the banking sector.
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Analysis
- The articles reflect a balanced perspective on the British government's sale of NatWest shares, marking a significant transition.
- They acknowledge the historical context of the financial crisis and the importance of returning banks to private ownership.
- Concerns about new risks, especially cyber threats, highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in the banking sector despite improvements.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
"…With the sales of the remaining shares, the government said it was no longer in the banking business it had taken on during the crisis."
Associated Press·1M·"…The sale of the final shares marks a symbolic end to a dramatic chapter in British banking history."
BBC News·1M·FAQ
The UK government incurred a £10.5 billion loss to taxpayers from the bailout of NatWest, having spent £45.5 billion in the rescue and recovered £35 billion through share sales and other means.
The UK government retained ownership of NatWest for nearly 17 years following the 2008 financial crisis bailout, finally completing its exit in 2025.
At its peak, the UK government owned 84.4% of NatWest following the bailout in 2008.
The sale symbolizes a full return to private ownership for NatWest and marks the government's exit from all banks aided during the 2008 financial crisis, raising questions about the current stability of the banking sector.
Originally Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), the bank rebranded as NatWest Group in 2020 after the government's bailout and subsequent ownership period.
History
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