Barclays has announced its participation in the UK Retail Investment Campaign, joining seventeen other major financial firms in an initiative aimed at encouraging more Britons to invest for their long-term financial wellbeing. The campaign is scheduled to launch in April 2026 and is fully funded by the participating companies, which include platforms, global banks, and wealth and investment managers.
The campaign brings together organizations across the financial services sector with a common objective: to increase public awareness about the benefits of investing and its potential positive effects on individual finances and the broader economy. The effort has backing from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Investment Association (IA) will serve as Secretariat for the campaign.
Sasha Wiggins, Chair of the UK Retail Investment Campaign and Chief Executive of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, stated: “By bringing together firms from across the financial sector with a shared goal, we aim to make investing more accessible and give people better support when it comes to taking their first steps. With retail investment in the UK the lowest in the G7, it is vital to help build a culture of saving and investing - supporting people to make informed choices about how to put their money to work. This campaign is about providing clear, accessible information so everyone can feel confident in deciding whether investing is right for them.”
Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the Investment Association and Deputy Chair of the Campaign said: “By bringing together a wide range of firms from across the financial sector for a multi-year campaign, along with the support of the government and regulator, we will raise awareness that, while cash savings are important, many more people should be investing to fulfil their long-term financial plans. With only just over a third of UK adults agreeing that ‘investing is for someone like me’, many people could be missing out on the benefit that investing could bring. Together, we hope to inspire a nation of people who are ready to take the next step and invest in their futures.”
According to data cited by campaign leaders, retail investment rates in Britain are currently lower than those seen among other G7 countries. Only slightly more than one-third of UK adults believe that investing applies personally to them.
The full list of funding firms involved in this industry-wide initiative can be found through official campaign resources.