Barclays boss warns Britain must revive share ownership

By JESSICA CLARK

Updated: 21:50 BST, 11 May 2025

The boss of Barclays has said Britain must ‘revive’ a culture of share ownership.

CS Venkatakrishnan, known as Venkat, highlighted the lack of retail investment in the UK in a clear message to the Government and regulators. 

The American businessman, who has led Barclays since 2021, joined a chorus of City leaders raising the issue. 

Venkat told shareholders at Barclays annual general meeting: ‘I have long felt that there is a need to revive a culture of share ownership in the UK.’

Concern: CS Venkatakrishnan highlighted the lack of retail investment in the UK in a clear message to the Government and regulators

London’s stock market has been hit by an exodus of companies – often losing out to the US, which has a well-established culture of share ownership.

Previously, City grandees including Aberdeen chairman Douglas Flint and Peel Hunt boss Steven Fine have called on the Government to scrap stamp duty on shares to boost investment in UK-listed stocks.

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Barclays boss warns Britain must revive share ownership

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