# Barclays sets aside £823m for bad debts after fraud hit but profits rise

By Matt Britzman — 2026-04-28

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Barclays’ update was a steady rather than spectacular one, with a solid showing from the Investment Bank (albeit with a larger impairment than expected) and US consumer arm helping offset softer delivery in UK retail and wealth, though results weren’t quite as strong as we saw from key competition across the pond.

“Guidance edged higher, with income expectations nudged up and the broader profitability story still pointing in the right direction.

“There’s nothing transformational here, but the direction of travel remains positive, supported by improving efficiency and a strong capital return profile.

“Taken together, it’s a quietly reassuring update that keeps the longer-term investment case intact, even if Wall Street continues to set the pace.”

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