Ex-Chancellor Darling: govt must avoid Lloyds and RBS 'firesale'

Katrina Lloyd
clock

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling, who oversaw the bail-out of RBS and Lloyds in 2008, has urged the government to avoid a rapid disposal of taxpayers' stakes in the banking giants.

Speaking at IFAonline's sister title Investment Week`s Summer Investment Senate in Monte Carlo, Darling (pictured) said he agrees with outgoing RBS CEO Stephen Hester that it could take a decade to sell taxpayers' stake in the bank. "There are lots of bank shares about to come on the market, but I do not think the government should rush into anything like a firesale. It will have to be done gradually, even for Lloyds. "I have no objection in principle to a discounted share offering at the start, provided your overall strategy is to maximise returns, but what I would object to would be...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Five years on from Covid: What's next for markets?

Five years on from Covid: What's next for markets?

It is now five years since the start of the UK’s Covid lockdown. Since then, we have seen considerable market and geopolitical-related change. Here, William Marshall looks back over the past five years and also explores what we might expect from markets...

William Marshall
clock 06 May 2025 • 4 min read
Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

US president pauses most additional tariffs

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 April 2025 • 2 min read
Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Treasury Committee scrutinises chancellor on Spring Statement

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 April 2025 • 3 min read