NatWest Group

NatWest Group's principal activity is banking, with a strong focus on the UK market. The group serves more than 20 million customers through retail banking, commercial banking and private banking activities. NatWest Group offers a wide range of financial products and services, including current accounts, loans, mortgages, savings and investment solutions, as well as wealth management and financing services for businesses. The group operates under several well-known brands such as NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank and Coutts, and serves individuals, businesses and institutional clients in the United Kingdom.

History of NatWest Group and key stages of its development

NatWest Group is a major British bank, primarily focused on the UK market, serving more than 20 million customers through its retail, commercial, and private banking activities.

Creation and evolution
- The group’s origins go back several centuries, with the founding of historic banks such as the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in 1727 and National Westminster Bank (NatWest) in 1968, resulting from the merger of National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank.
- In 2000, RBS acquired NatWest, thus creating one of the largest banking groups in the UK.
- In 2020, the group changed its name to NatWest Group plc, reflecting the importance of the NatWest brand in its core activities.

Products and innovations
- NatWest Group offers a wide range of banking products: current accounts, loans, mortgages, wealth management services, private banking, and solutions for businesses.
- The group invests heavily in technology, data, and artificial intelligence to transform its services and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Partnerships and acquisitions
- In 2026, NatWest Group announced the acquisition of Evelyn Partners, further strengthening its position in private banking and wealth management.
- The group collaborates with many companies and supports initiatives in the fields of innovation, financial education, and sustainable development.

Strategic changes
- After the 2008 financial crisis, the group underwent a major restructuring, refocusing its activities on the UK and reducing its international presence.
- NatWest Group is strongly committed to sustainability, with ambitious targets for carbon neutrality by 2050 and increased support for social housing finance and financial education.
- The group implements a strategy focused on simplicity, security, and customer satisfaction, while supporting economic growth in the UK.

Main brands
- NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, Coutts, Lombard, RBS International, and FreeAgent are the group’s main brands, each targeting specific market segments.

NatWest Group continues to evolve, building on its heritage, commitment to innovation and social responsibility, and its desire to support the growth of its customers and the British economy.

NatWest Group, formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group, was founded in 1968 following the merger of National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank. Today, the group is one of the leading banking groups in the United Kingdom.

The main members of NatWest Group’s executive team are:

• Paul Thwaite – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Katie Murray – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Rick Haythornthwaite – Chairman
• Jen Tippin – Chief People & Transformation Officer
• David Lindberg – CEO, Retail Banking
• Alison Rose – Former CEO (until 2023)

These executives oversee the group’s operations, which include several banking brands such as NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Coutts.