Overview
- The government sold its remaining 0.26% stake in NatWest, concluding a divestment that began after the 2008 financial rescue.
- Treasury data show a £10.5bn net cost to taxpayers after recovering £35bn through share sales, dividends and fees.
- NatWest reduced its balance sheet from about £2.2tn in 2008 to £708bn, exited global investment banking and returned to profit in 2018.
- The bank strengthened its retail footprint with Sainsbury’s Bank operations and a Metro Bank mortgage portfolio, and its share price climbed to a 15-year high in April.
- Full privatization ends government oversight and positions NatWest to pursue strategic growth and attract new international investors.