NatWest Acquires Metro Bank Mortgages for £2.4bn Amidst £24m Loss from Shelved Campaign

The bank's half-year earnings reveal a 16% profit drop, while new government plans for retail share sales remain uncertain.

NatWest spent £24m on an aborted Conservative government campaign to privatize its shares.
The bank reported a 16% decline in pre-tax profits for the first half of 2024.
NatWest's acquisition of Metro Bank's mortgage book adds approximately 10,000 borrowers.
The new Labour government has yet to decide on reviving the retail share sale plans.
NatWest's customer confidence is rising, with increased savings deposits and lending activity.