Barclays

Barclays, a major UK bank, is currently in the news for several reasons. Firstly, the bank's CEO has expressed shock regarding revelations in the Epstein files, as the bank deals with the fallout from ex-boss Jes Staley's ties to the convicted sex offender. Staley himself is facing renewed scrutiny due to rape allegations raised in the US Epstein investigation. Barclays has also reportedly cut ties with a lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, following scrutiny of his dealings with Epstein. Secondly, Barclays is involved in discussions to establish a UK alternative to Visa and Mastercard, driven by concerns over potential US control of payment systems. Finally, the bank, along with other lenders, faces potential shareholder revolts if it weakens its climate commitments. Barclays also lost out to NatWest in a bid to acquire wealth manager Evelyn Partners.