NatWest Group

At the Barclays conference NatWest reported strong operational progress: return on equity is approaching 20%, guided total income was raised to £17.9bn, and the cost-income ratio was reduced to just above 45%. The bank is seeing growth in loans, deposits and assets under management across all divisions and views the acquisition of Evelyn Partners as a significant driver in private banking. Remaining risks include cyberattacks, geopolitical uncertainty and potential changes to the bank levy; excess capital is intended to be returned to shareholders primarily through buybacks. » More on de.investing.com

Natwest's share rose on Friday by about 4.5 percent to around 714 pence, reaching its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The bank beat market expectations in the second quarter, raised its full-year outlook and impressed particularly with strong free cash flow. Analysts expect a new share buyback program but view the 2028 targets as rather conservative. Since the start of the year the stock is up around nine percent. » More on de.investing.com

NatWest Group rolled out a bank-wide AI and data ethics accreditation developed with the University of Edinburgh to ensure responsible AI use across its 60,000 staff. The program includes eight e-learning modules, a collaborative session on real-world application, and practical guidance on managing ethical risks and bias. Employees must complete the course within two to three months to receive official accreditation and commit to ongoing learning. The initiative supports NatWest's wider strategy to leverage AI while preserving customer trust and consistent, fair outcomes. » More on finance.yahoo.com