NatWest reaffirms UK growth prospects amid global "pressure"

(Alliance News) - NatWest Group PLC on Tuesday shared an optimistic view of the company and the UK's economic prospects at its annual general meeting.

Shares in the Edinburgh-based lender rose 0.7% to 577.60 pence on Tuesday afternoon in London.

Chief Executive Paul Thwaite commented: "We have started 2026 with positive momentum on which we can build. We are not standing still. A new chapter is well underway, one defined not by recovery, but by an ambition to succeed for the long term, helping turn our customers possibilities into progress across the UK."

Thwaite pointed to NatWest's recent acquisition of wealth management firm Evelyn Partners as evidence of the lender's momentum, and said he was confident in NatWest's ability to provide sustainable returns.

"We should be clear: there are near-term challenges. Recent global events mean pressures have elevated for many households and businesses. From a board perspective, maintaining a longer‑term view is essential, and we believe deeply in the long-term strengths of the UK," Thwaite noted.

"The UK faces into today's challenges with significant structural strengths, including strong institutions, deep pools of talent and an enduring capacity to innovate. For a bank such as ours, this environment only reinforces our role... to help enable the investment that underpins future growth."

By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter

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