UK Treasury reduces stake in NatWest Group to 3.95%

Published 25/03/2025, 11:34
UK Treasury reduces stake in NatWest Group to 3.95%

LONDON - The UK Treasury has lowered its shareholding in NatWest Group plc, a major banking institution, following the sale of part of its stake. According to a recent regulatory filing, the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury now hold 3.95% of the voting rights in the bank, a decrease from their previous holding of 4.82%.

The change in ownership came after the Treasury disposed of 69,943,655 ordinary shares in NatWest Group. This move is part of an ongoing plan to sell down the government’s stake in the bank, which was originally acquired during the financial crisis of 2008 to stabilize the banking system. The current trading plan for selling shares was first announced on July 22, 2021, and was most recently extended on April 3, 2023.

The notification, dated Monday, March 24, 2025, was submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in accordance with UK regulatory requirements. The threshold for disclosure was crossed on the same date. The Treasury’s stake in NatWest Group is managed by UK Government Investments Limited, which operates under arrangements agreed with the Treasury.

This sale represents the latest step in the government’s long-term strategy to return the bank to full private ownership. The Treasury’s ongoing reduction of its NatWest stake is part of broader efforts to recoup the costs of the bank’s bailout, which was one of the largest during the financial crisis.

The notification to the FCA was made using the Standard TR-1 Form, which is the required format for announcements of major shareholdings in issuers with shares admitted to trading on UK regulated markets.

NatWest Group, formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland (NYSE:RBS_old_old), has been undergoing a series of changes and restructuring efforts in recent years to improve its performance and resilience. The bank’s shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange (LON:LSEG), with the stock ticker GB00BM8PJY71.

The information regarding the Treasury’s reduced stake in NatWest Group is based on a press release statement. The implications of this reduced stake for investors and the bank’s future operations remain to be seen as the UK government continues to divest its shares.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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