Rapid Growth in targeted markets outside the UK

Using our experience to provide innovative and flexible solutions for
customers across the world.

Since establishing GRCB Emerging Markets in March 2007, Barclays retail and commercial business growth in these regions has been rapid.  Our distribution network has more than doubled with the addition of 336 new branches and sales centres and 457 ATMs. We doubled our customer base. This represents the largest expansion by any bank in these markets.

We are able to do this successfully because we are innovative and flexible in our approach to new markets. We adapt the experience and expertise gained in mature markets to provide new products and services suited to the local customer demand.

In addition to expanding the footprint of Barclays established presence across Africa, we re-launched our operations in Egypt and launched our retail banking business in the United Arab Emirates, under the “Banking Re-invented” theme. This proved to be more than just an advertising slogan. We re-engineered the way our customers bank with us by harnessing the power of innovative thinking and reliable technology, tried and tested by Barclays around the world. For example, we introduced 15-minute account opening in the UAE and flexible payment days for Barclaycard, setting a very high market benchmark.

We also launched retail and commercial banking businesses in India in 2007. We are already the fastest-growing bank in the sub-continent and aim to be among one of its top foreign banks within the next three years. Commercial and retail banking are expanding fast, and again, innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technology are being brought together to generate products from across the Barclays businesses that match what local customers need.  Our 24/7 banking hours in the Delhi branch – a first in India – provide just one successful example of coupling innovative thinking with technology. This is an example of how we can take products and services we have developed for more mature markets and adapt them to create new opportunities.