Sasha Wiggins to Lead UK Retail Investment Drive as Barclays Research Highlights £430 Billion in Untapped Savings

Sasha Wiggins to Lead UK Retail Investment Drive as Barclays Research Highlights £430 Billion in Untapped Savings

(IN BRIEF) Barclays’ Chief Executive of Private Bank and Wealth Management, Sasha Wiggins, has been named Chair of the UK’s new multi-year retail investment campaign, launched under the Leeds Reforms to boost retail investing and make the UK a top global financial services hub by 2035. Supported by HM Treasury, the FCA, and the Money and Pensions Service, the campaign will focus on educating and supporting first-time investors. Barclays research shows that 13 million UK adults hold £430 billion in cash savings that could be invested, but only 11% of households own shares—down sharply since 2003. The initiative aims to address barriers such as fear of loss, lack of knowledge, and product comparison difficulties, while building on Barclays’ long-standing financial education efforts through its LifeSkills programme and new partnership with National Numeracy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 15-Aog-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Barclays has announced that Sasha Wiggins, Chief Executive of Private Bank and Wealth Management, has been appointed Chair of the UK’s new flagship retail investment campaign. This multi-year, industry-funded initiative—launched by the Chancellor in July 2025 as part of the Leeds Reforms—aims to position the UK as the leading destination for financial services by 2035 and to transform the nation’s investment culture.

Backed by His Majesty’s Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Money and Pensions Service, and with the Investment Association serving as Secretariat, the campaign will focus on helping more people understand the long-term benefits of investing and encouraging greater participation in capital markets. Barclays’ own research shows the scale of the challenge: 13 million UK adults collectively hold around £430 billion in cash savings that could be invested, yet only 11% of households currently own shares—a steep decline from almost 25% in 2003, placing the UK at the bottom of the G7 for retail investing.

The initiative will address key barriers to entry, including lack of knowledge, fear of losing money, and difficulty identifying or comparing investment options. Barclays’ findings reveal that 41% of non-investors are deterred by the risk of loss, 21% feel they do not know enough, 74% want help selecting the right investment type, and 63% want assistance in comparing products. By providing practical guidance and access to credible support, the campaign aims to create a more confident and engaged retail investor base, contributing to both individual financial wellbeing and broader economic growth.

Barclays’ leadership in this space reflects its longstanding commitment to improving financial inclusion. For more than a decade, its LifeSkills programme has brought financial education and employability resources to millions, reaching 94% of UK secondary schools. In July, Barclays LifeSkills entered a new partnership with the charity National Numeracy to target communities with the greatest need for number skills, training over 60 primary school “numeracy champions” to reach more than 13,000 children, parents, carers, and school staff.

Commenting on her appointment, Sasha Wiggins said: “I am delighted to Chair this important initiative, which will help more people in the UK understand the benefits of investing. For too long, retail investing levels in the UK have been the lowest among the G7—and significantly lower than they were two decades ago. By raising awareness and building confidence, this campaign will encourage more individuals to make informed investment decisions that can strengthen their financial futures.”

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SOURCE: Barclays