# NatWest profits up by a fifth after AI-led tech drive and wealth focus

By Russ Mould — 2026-07-31

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: “Life as a fully privatised entity continues to suit NatWest as it beats consensus forecasts for the fifth time since the government sold its remaining stake last May.

“The company’s ability to consistently outmatch expectations has undoubtedly been helped by an environment in which interest rates have stayed higher for longer, but the business has also benefited from its own strategic initiatives.

“These include a big push into wealth management, intended to reduce its reliance on fluctuating interest rates. A move which has been bolstered by the acquisition of Evelyn Partners.

“Alongside a meaningful restructuring, NatWest is deploying AI to bring down costs and this has enabled an eye-catching increase to full-year guidance.

“The decision to pull forward a planned buyback to next February is a signal of management’s confidence, bolstered by the fact bad debts remain under control despite a tricky economic backdrop.”

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