NatWest's Return to Private Hands: A Journey from Crisis to Recovery

NatWest has fully returned to private ownership after a 45 billion-pound state bailout during the 2008 financial crisis, marking the end of a significant chapter in its history. The UK government sold its remaining shares, concluding a costly investment that reshaped both the bank and the wider financial industry.

The bailout protected millions of savers and businesses, according to Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, and set NatWest on a path to recovery. The bank, formerly RBS, transformed from a global investment powerhouse to a streamlined mortgage and business lender concentrating on the UK market.

While NatWest's shares have rebounded, taxpayers faced a 10.5 billion-pound loss from the bailout rescue. The bank must now focus on growth opportunities in wealth management amid banking competition, while aligning with government goals to boost economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)