# Barclays to home in on AI as profit jumps and boss handed £15m pay packet

By Dan Coatsworth — 2026-02-10

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said: “Barclays’ diversified interests typically work in its favour.

“If there’s ever a weak part of the business, the rest often picks up the slack and helps keep the group in shape.

“The latest results are a perfect example of this dynamic in play.

“Corporate and investment banking interests were strong while the UK retail banking and wealth management operations were lacklustre.

“Barclays has outlined near and medium-term targets which imply stronger returns and big share buybacks.

“The targets sound impressive, but the market seems nonplussed by the overall package.

“There wasn’t enough to blow the lights out in terms of recent performance, and so much good news is already in the price.

“The banking sector has been a major money maker for investors over the past two years and now needs powerful catalysts to sustain the upwards share price momentum.

“That means large upgrades to earnings forecasts, otherwise the shares could stall.

“Barclays’ figures might warrant small upgrades, but there isn’t enough power in the results to keep the share price rally going.”

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