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Get ready for exciting new possibilities.

The first of these was the decision to change our holding company name from Barclays Africa Group Limited to Absa Group Limited, an identity that reflects our African roots.

This change is happening at a group level and you probably won’t notice any change at all, as Barclays Banks on the continent will not change their name immediately.

But it is important, because it is the first step in our journey to ultimately having one brand, Absa, across all our operations (subject to regulatory approval).

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Barclays sell-down?

    In 2008, after the global financial market crisis, regulators implemented new rules to protect consumers, making it less attractive for international banking corporates to own large banks abroad.

    Due to this Barclays PLC decided to reduce their shareholding in Barclays Africa Group.

    This means that Barclays PLC is no longer a majority shareholder in Barclays Africa Group (becoming Absa Group Limited), giving Barclays Africa Group a larger African ownership base, with a more diverse set of shareholders, creating more opportunities for everyone in Africa.

  • Why are you changing the Barclays brand?

    By the end of 2017 Barclays PLC had reduced its shareholding in Barclays Africa Group Limited from 62.3% to 14.9%. This means that, although Barclays PLC remains a committed partner and shareholder, we can’t legally use the name “Barclays” in future. It was important for us to choose a name already has strong equity in Africa and internationally, under which to unite all our operations. Thus we chose Absa.

  • Why did you decide on Absa as the new brand?

    We now how important a decision like this is and so, before coming to any conclusions, we consulted with over 130 000 colleagues, customers, stakeholders and regulators across the continent. The outcome of these discussions was twofold: we needed one brand to unite all our operations across Africa and, that it was important that this brand was already well established, well-known with strong African and international banking credentials. Thus we chose Absa. 

  • Can I expect any other changes when the name of my bank changes?

    We will not make any changes that will affect the way you bank with Barclays right now. However, as we are continually committed to making your banking experience a better one, you can expect changes in the future. We will keep you informed of any changes that may affect you.

  • When will my Barclays Bank become Absa?

    We have until mid-2020 to rebrand all our Barclays operations. But we are committed to progressing as quickly as possible and will keep you informed along the way.

  • Can I still use my Barclays credit and debit cards, cheque book and Barclays digital platforms?

    Yes. Right now you can continue to use all your Barclay’s products and services in the same way as you have in the past. While you can expect changes for the better in the future, Barclays Africa Group is committed to keeping you informed along the way.

  • Is Barclays PLC still involved in any way?

    With a 14.9% shareholding in Barclays Africa Group Limited, Barclays PLC no longer the majority shareholder. However, they do still have a stake in the business and remain a partner committed to the success of the group.

  • Can I have the same confidence in this new brand as I have in Barclays?

    As we change from Barclays Africa Group Limited to Absa Group Limited we are committed to building on our proud African heritage and the strengths that we already have on the continent. We are intent on unlocking more possibilities through improving our offerings as we increasingly bring you globally led solutions through our globally scalable platforms.