Barclays' New CEO Appointment Is Not Without Risk
We're pleased with this appointment but note that it is not without risk. Investment banking is a complex business in which Jenkins has little experience.
Overall, we're pleased with this appointment but note that it is not without risk. Together, we think Walker and Jenkins project a credible and much-needed change in Barclays' corporate culture. Former CEO Bob Diamond's often brash demeanour exacerbated negative public and political sentiment towards the bank, in our opinion. We think Jenkins, with his roots in retail banking, will help to scale back risk-taking in the group's investment bank. Moreover, we think he is likely to scale back on investment banking and refocus the group on its retail and corporate banking businesses. We'll keep a close eye out, however, for signs that Jenkins is having trouble managing the investment bank—a complex business in which he has little experience. We think Jenkins is likely to lean heavily on lieutenants and on Walker's experience in investment banking as he gets to know the business.