# Barclays

> British bank

**Wikidata**: [Q245343](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q245343)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barclays)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barclays

## Summary
Barclays is a British multinational universal bank and financial services company founded in 1690, operating as a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in London, it provides commercial and investment banking services globally, employing 79,900 people. It is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index and owns subsidiaries like Barclays Investment Bank and Barclaycard.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1690 (as a goldsmith banking partnership).
- **Headquarters**: One Churchill Place, London, United Kingdom.
- **Stock Exchanges**: Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
- **Employees**: 79,900 (as of latest data).
- **Subsidiaries**: Barclays Investment Bank (founded 1997), Barclaycard (founded 1968), ABSA Group Limited.
- **CEO**: Jes Staley (American banker).
- **Indices**: Part of the FTSE 100 Index.
- **Affiliations**: Linked to the Group of Thirty (international financial body) and individuals like Andrea Leadsom (British politician) and Marcus Agius (British financier).
- **Ownership**: Operates Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York) and owns One Churchill Place.
- **Classification**: Universal bank, public company, and commercial bank.

## FAQs
- **When was Barclays founded?**  
  Barclays was founded in 1690, originating from a goldsmith banking partnership in London.

- **Where is Barclays listed on stock exchanges?**  
  Barclays is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

- **What are Barclays' major subsidiaries?**  
  Key subsidiaries include Barclays Investment Bank (established 1997), Barclaycard (launched 1968), and ABSA Group Limited (South African financial services group).

- **Who leads Barclays?**  
  As of the latest data, Jes Staley serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Barclays.

- **What indices is Barclays part of?**  
  Barclays is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index, a benchmark for the UK’s leading companies.

## Why It Matters
Barclays is a cornerstone of the global financial sector, with over 330 years of history shaping banking practices. As a universal bank, it bridges commercial and investment banking, serving individuals, corporations, and institutions worldwide. Its listing on major stock exchanges underscores its economic influence, while subsidiaries like Barclaycard (a pioneer in credit cards) highlight its role in financial innovation. Barclays’ membership in the FTSE 100 Index and affiliation with the Group of Thirty reflect its systemic importance in global finance.

## Notable For
- **Oldest Universal Bank**: One of the world’s oldest banking institutions, tracing its origins to 1690.
- **Global Reach**: Operates in over 40 countries, with dual headquarters in London and significant presence in New York.
- **Innovative Products**: Barclaycard, launched in 1968, was one of the first widely recognized credit card brands.
- **Cultural Impact**: Namesake of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a major sports and entertainment venue.
- **Resilience**: Survived the 2008 financial crisis and remains a key player in investment banking.

## Body

### History
Barclays was founded in 1690 by David Barclay, evolving from a goldsmith banking partnership in Lombard Street, London. It grew through strategic acquisitions, including the 2008 purchase of Lehman Brothers’ North American assets, which bolstered its investment banking division. The bank weathered the 2008 financial crisis and restructured its operations, focusing on core markets in the UK, US, and Africa.

### Corporate Structure
- **Legal Form**: Public company (PLC) listed on the LSE and NYSE.
- **Employees**: 79,900 staff globally, with Barclays Investment Bank employing 25,000.
- **Headquarters**: One Churchill Place, a skyscraper in Canary Wharf, London, since 2004.

### Subsidiaries and Ownership
- **Barclays Investment Bank**: Established in 1997, specializing in corporate and investment banking.
- **Barclaycard**: Launched in 1968, offering credit cards and payment solutions in the UK and Germany.
- **ABSA Group Limited**: A South African financial services subsidiary acquired in 2005.
- **Barclays Center**: A multi-purpose arena in Brooklyn, New York, opened in 2012.

### Stock Exchange Listings
Barclays is dually listed on the **London Stock Exchange** (founded 1698) and **New York Stock Exchange** (founded 1792), enabling global investor access. Its inclusion in the **FTSE 100 Index** (established 1984) signifies its status as a leading UK corporation.

### Key People
- **Jes Staley**: CEO since 2015, overseeing strategic direction and operations.
- **Marcus Agius**: Former chairman (2006–2012), influential in navigating the 2008 financial crisis.
- **Andrea Leadsom**: Former employee and UK politician, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022).

### Affiliations
- **Group of Thirty**: Barclays participates in this international financial advisory body (founded 1978).
- **Political and Public Figures**: Linked to Jaime Alfonsín (Spanish royal household) and Anna Chapman (former Russian intelligence agent).

### Cultural and Sporting Ties
- **Premier League Sponsorship**: Historically sponsored awards like the Premier League Golden Boot and Manager of the Season.
- **Barclays Center**: Hosts the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and New York Islanders (NHL), reinforcing its brand presence in the US.

### Financial Services
As a **universal bank**, Barclays offers retail, corporate, and investment banking services, along with wealth management and credit solutions (e.g., Barclaycard). Its operations span the **financial sector**, contributing to the **economics of banking** through lending, asset management, and risk advisory services.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-05-22
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