Barclays Bank

Barclays is a major British multinational universal bank, headquartered in London, England. Its origins date back to 1690 when Thomas Gould and John Freame established a goldsmith banking business in Lombard Street, London, which later came to be known as Barclays after James Barclay became a partner in 1736.

Today, Barclays operates as a global financial heavyweight divided primarily into two business divisions: Barclays UK and Barclays International. It provides a wide range of services including retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management. The bank has a significant presence in world markets and is considered a systemically important bank.

Ownership of Barclays is public, with the company listed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. It is one of the oldest financial institutions in the world and remains a cornerstone of the UK's financial services industry, managed by its corporate board and executive leadership.