The UK government has reduced its stake in NatWest, falling from the largest shareholder position after selling 89 million shares on Thursday. The government's ownership, once at 84%, now stands at 4.82%. BlackRock Investment Management (UK) now holds the largest stake at 5.72%.
A NatWest Group spokesperson stated, "Returning the bank to full private ownership is an ambition we share with the government, and one that we believe is in the interests of all our shareholders."
NatWest CEO Paul Thwaite mentioned a target for full private ownership by 2025, but analysts suggest the government's exit could happen as early as June. The bank has been repurchasing shares from the government, with the latest transaction taking place in November.
Chair Rick Haythornthwaite previously stated that the government's exit would be significant for both the country and the bank.
NatWest shares, which have increased by 74% in the past year, were trading lower at 439.1 pence at 1102 GMT.
NatWest has had a longer government ownership period compared to other banks rescued during the 2008-9 financial crisis. However, the government's share has decreased rapidly in recent months, dropping from about 38% in December 2023 to less than 10% in December 2024.
Lloyds Banking Group underwent a similar government exit in May 2017. ($1 = 0.7721 pounds)