The United Kingdom is among the world’s leading financial hubs and is home to several institutions that offer bespoke financial services for high-net-worth clients. Many of its private banks have been internationally recognised for their decades, and in some cases, even centuries, of impeccable service and financial expertise. Combining that with a strong sense of discretion and security, they ensure that their clients are some of the best protected and looked after in the world.
However, it would be impossible to ignore the presence of certain international banks within the UK that are also among the world’s leaders when it comes to the financial services they offer. This guide of selected banks focuses on their histories, core services, and why they excel in the services they offer on an international playing field which is not short on significant competition.
Coutts
Based in London and founded in 1692, Coutts is among the UK’s oldest and most prestigious private banks. Initially established to cater to the British aristocracy, it has evolved to serve wealthy individuals based all over the world, offering a comprehensive range of bespoke services. Coutts provides tailored wealth management, property financing, and trust services, all delivered with their signature discretion, and expertise that was acquired over their long operating history.
Coutts is particularly attuned to the needs of international clients, providing multi-currency accounts, investment advice for global portfolios and support for property acquisitions, both in the UK and abroad. For many clients, Coutts is the ideal partner for both financial and lifestyle management for those with established UK interests or those looking to build them.
HSBC
With its main headquarters in London and a presence in over 60 countries, HSBC is a powerhouse for global clients. Originally founded in Hong Kong in 1865 to support trade between Asia and Europe, HSBC has become a trusted financial institution both within the UK and the wider banking world, for its outstanding experience of managing investments across global markets.
Some of the bank's notable services include wealth structuring, investment management, and multi-currency capabilities that are ideal for expats and foreign nationals looking to find a suitable bank to meet their needs and interests in the UK. HSBC also specialises in estate planning for clients with assets in multiple financial jurisdictions, with its vast global network of connected banks ensuring that clients’ needs are met, no matter where they are in the world.
UBS Wealth Management
Swiss-founded UBS Wealth Management has a significant global operation and a strong UK presence in London. Established in 1862, UBS has a legacy of providing sophisticated wealth management solutions, as one might expect from one of the world’s historical strongholds for international banking. Renowned for its discretion and innovative financial strategies, the bank is a trusted partner for many of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
UBS caters to foreign nationals with services like cross-border investment planning, tax optimisation, and access to exclusive global markets. Boasting an extensive research network, clients of the bank can benefit from top-tier financial insights and a bespoke approach to preserving and growing their wealth. It is an excellent choice for an individual looking to set themselves up in both the UK and Europe.
JP Morgan
Headquartered in New York but with a significant London base of operations, JP Morgan is a longstanding global leader in financial services. Established in 1799, it brings almost 250 years of expertise to clients seeking wealth management advisory. Known for its frontrunner status amongst global financial institutions, the bank offers a wide array of services from investment strategies to estate planning.
JP Morgan excels in serving international clients, offering multi-currency accounts and services tailored to the needs of expats, from almost every country in the world. With a global reach that eclipses several private banks and an immeasurable level of financial expertise, it is an ideal choice for clients managing assets across continents and for those looking to partner with a world leader in banking services.
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered may be based in London but has deep roots in Asia and Africa, and has been serving clients since 1853. The bank’s private division specialises in providing international clients with wealth management, structured investments, and financing solutions.
With its historical focus on the African and Asian financial markets, Standard Chartered is ideal for those looking to invest in or manage assets around the world, as well as those in the UK. With its unique blend of knowledge of the world’s financial markets, it is hard to find many banks that can top the expertise offered by Standard Chartered.
C. Hoare & Co.
The oldest privately-owned bank in the UK, C. Hoare & Co., was founded in 1672 and operates from its headquarters in London. As a family-owned business, it provides only the most exceptional client services, making the bank a long-trusted name among the UK’s wealthiest individuals.
Hoare & Co. provides a range of services, including bespoke lending, investment advice and philanthropy planning. Its unique size and operational stance allow for an intimate, boutique-style approach to the traditional banking relationship, making it an excellent option for those seeking a personalised, yet discreet, financial partner in the UK.
Arbuthnot Latham
Founded in 1833, Arbuthnot Latham is a London-based private bank renowned for its expertise in wealth management and bespoke financial planning. Its private banking division focuses on serving clients and their families, providing a range of services designed to be flexible in order to meet their client's needs and deliver a satisfying service.
Like most of its competitors, Arbuthnot Latham offers property financing, investment advice, and tax-efficient planning, backed by an impressive history that has been built on providing outstanding recommendations to clients. The bank’s knowledge of the UK and international markets guarantees smooth management of assets, emphasising strong relationship management between clients, and making it an ideal partner for those looking to invest their wealth in the UK.
Barclays
Barclays is one of the UK’s oldest banks. Founded in 1690 and with a global presence that makes it one of the largest banks in the UK, Barclays specialises in expertly servicing its clients with exceptional, international wealth management.
The bank offers solutions tailored to meet a range of needs, from property financing, to discretionary portfolio management. Barclays provides multi-currency accounts and advice on navigating international financial markets, with its long-standing reputation for excellence making it a reliable choice for those seeking robust financial advice and support.
The UK has an elite roster of banking institutions that are uniquely positioned to cater to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. With their established international presence, long-founded financial expertise, and dedication to offering the most exceptional service, these banks provide clients with the peace of mind that their wealth is always in the best of hands.
