Barclays Bank PLCBCSCOMMENTNov 24, 2016Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 23, 2026. Market Open.
Best European bank? European banking is difficult, given negative interest rates. Best in class is Barclay's for its investing banking business or Lloyd's Banking. There should be more consolidation here, but it's difficult in Europe (look at ATD'B trying to buy Carrefour this month).
Likes it. They bought Lehman, which had investment banking but was really a bond house, so Dodd-Frank caused a lot of capital issues and restrictions. New management is doing a good job by sticking with investment banking and have a great retail franchise in the UK, and they exited businesses around the world that didn't work out. They're going all the right things, though Brexit creates uncertainty. Great credit card business. It will do well, but have to get past Brexit early next year.
A lot of European banks are suffering between regulatory problems and the US. They never really repaired themselves post the financial crisis, unlike the US banks. He would tread carefully. On the whole, with 1 or 2 exceptions, he prefers US banks. They have gotten rid of all their regulatory issues a long time ago. (See Top Picks.)