Looking to invest in banking stocks in the UK, US and further afield? Check out some of the best bank stocks from around the world and what you need to know about investing in these financial shares.
The best bank stocks to invest in will depend on your portfolio and investment goals — while volatility can work for day traders, long-term investors may prefer the steadier blue-chip stock approach that banking shares can provide.
We’re going to look at some top banking shares, how to invest in bank stocks, and explain some of the key details if you’re think about investing in banks in the UK or abroad.
Best bank stocks to watch in 2025
We rounded up a selection of stocks in or related to the banking sector, weighting the list more heavily towards popular UK and US stocks.
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
How to invest in bank stocks
Choose a platform. If you’re a beginner, find a trading app that suits your investing style.
Open your account. You’ll usually need your ID, bank details and national insurance (NI) number.
Deposit funds. You’ll need to fund your account with a bank transfer, debit card or credit card (or any other method supported by your trading platform).
Research the Banking shares you want. Your investing platform should provide the latest information and research but you can use other resources.
Search for your bank stocks. You can find the banking stocks by searching for the name or stock ticker symbol.
Buy your shares. Create an order to buy shares and you’re now an investor in the banking sector. It’s that simple.
We analysed all popular share dealing platforms in the UK using 35 data points and combined this with our expert insight from using the apps. The platforms we've selected as best for each category offer stand-out features or a unique combination of elements for a specific aspect of investing. If we show a "Promoted for" pick, it's been chosen from among our partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive. Keep in mind that our picks may not always be the best for you – it's important to compare for yourself. More details in our full methodology.
Take a deeper dive into banks stocks
If you're interested in investing in the banks industry, take a closer look at what companies in this industry do and how the stocks have historically performed. Keep in mind that positive past performance doesn't guarantee that a stock will continue to rise in the future.
NatWest Group (NWG)
Once partly known as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), NatWest is a UK-focused banking giant with a strong presence in personal and business banking. Having bounced back from the 2008 financial crisis, it's now a dividend-paying stock that investors watch for steady returns. The UK government took a stake in the business following the financial crisis but ownership has been steadily reducing, making it a banking stock to keep an eye on.
NatWest Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around 14.3 billion and employs 61,651 staff.
The undisputed heavyweight of US banking, JPMorgan Chase is one of the biggest banking stocks in the world and is a Wall Street powerhouse with a global reach. Its fortress balance sheet, strong leadership under Jamie Dimon, and consistent profitability make it a go-to financial stock for investors seeking stability and growth in the financial sector.
JPMorgan Chase-and-Co is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £166.8 billion and employs 317,233 staff.
A banking behemoth with both UK retail operations and an influential, international investment banking arm, Barclays is a stock that blends traditional banking with the high-risk, high-reward world of global finance. Its performance often hinges on global market conditions and economic cycles, making it a stock for those who don’t mind a bit of volatility.
Barclays is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $24.2 billion and employs 93,000 staff.
Unlike most UK banks, Standard Chartered is all about emerging markets, with a strong focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This global footprint makes it a unique pick, offering exposure to fast-growing economies, but also the risks that come with them. However, it can still be a useful bank stock to hold as a portfolio diversifier if you already hold, or plan to hold other banking stocks.
Standard Chartered is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £18.5 billion.
HSBC truly is a global bank, with a strong presence in Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong. Its international reach provides diversification across markets, but the flip side is exposure to geopolitical risks. It’s a favourite among income investors for its solid dividend history and robust performance.
HSBC is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £61.3 billion and employs 211,304 staff.
A household name across the pond in US banking, Wells Fargo is known for its large retail banking network. Though it’s still recovering from past scandals, the bank remains a key player in the US financial system, with a strong focus on lending and wealth management.
Wells Fargo-and-Company is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £78 billion and employs 217,000 staff.
One of Europe's largest banks, Santander has deep roots in Spain but a strong presence in Latin America and beyond. It’s known for its high dividend yield and cyclical nature, making it a stock that rewards patient, long-term investors. You may have seen this bank on the UK high street but its financial footprint looms large over the developed and developing world.
Banco Santander S-A is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $50.8 billion and employs 199,958 staff.
This regional US bank is smaller than Wall Street giants but offers solid exposure to the American retail and commercial banking sector. Its focus on the Northeast and Midwest of the US makes it a more localised play. However, this could appeal to investors looking for a stable, mid-sized bank as an alternative investment to the more obvious mainstream options.
Citizens Financial Group is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £7.1 billion and employs 17,287 staff.
The name gives it away but Bank of America is a titan of US banking. It’s a key player in consumer banking, corporate lending, and wealth management. Bank of America’s ability to benefit from rising interest rates and economic growth makes it a popular choice for long-term investors seeking steady growth no matter what the world’s finances look like.
Bank of America is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $96.1 billion and employs 213,000 staff.
A cornerstone of UK banking, Lloyds is a high-street banking leader with strong mortgage and lending operations. It’s the largest mortgage lender in the UK and the company also owns financial firms like Halifax, Bank of Scotland, and Scottish Widows. Its fortunes are tied closely to the UK economy, making it a banking stock that reflects the country’s financial health. It’s popular among dividend investors and even penny stock hunters (although its market cap means it’s not technically a penny share).
Lloyds Banking Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $17.5 billion and employs 61,228 staff.
Citigroup is the international player of the big US banks, with a vast global footprint. While its earnings can be unpredictable due to exposure in emerging markets, it offers potential for strong upside if global trade and finance thrive. It has the potential to be a useful portfolio balancer if you’re already heavily invested in the US.
Citigroup is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £71.4 billion and employs 226,710 staff.
France’s largest bank and a European heavyweight, BNP Paribas is known for its diversified business model, spanning retail banking, corporate finance, and investment banking. A solid performer in European banking, it’s a pick for those seeking a slice of European stability with some exposure to global finances.
BNP Paribas is listed on the Euronext Paris (PA), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $45.7 billion and employs 178,000 staff.
While it’s possible to turn a profit investing in bank stocks, keep in mind that — like any investment — bank stocks can involve risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating economic conditions, both in the market generally and in the banking industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest.
If you’re new to investing, or if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a look at your investing accounts – compare brokers to make sure you’re getting the best features and the lowest fees with your trading account.
Finder survey: If a pension or other investment performed well but included companies in the following industries or countries, which would cause you to feel guilty?
Response
Female
Male
A Russian company
45.11%
37%
A company still operating in Russia
39.82%
30.94%
Weapons manufacturing
39.82%
24.56%
I wouldn't feel guilty
18.59%
26.41%
Tobacco
25.83%
25.49%
Cannabis
23.29%
20.04%
Meat farming
17.42%
9.76%
Oil
12.33%
12.33%
None of the above
11.84%
7.19%
Banks
5.97%
8.84%
Vaccine production
7.05%
6.89%
Source: Finder survey by Censuswide of 1995 Brits, April 2022
George is a deputy editor at Finder. He has previously written for The Motley Fool UK, Nasdaq, Freetrade, Investing in the Web, MoneyMagpie, Online Mortgage Advisor, Wealth, and Compare Forex Brokers. He's focused on making personal finance and investing engaging for everyone. To do this he draws from previous work and his Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA), sharing what he’s learnt. When he’s not geeking out about money, you’ll find him playing sports and staying active. See full bio
George's expertise
George has written 237 Finder guides across topics including:
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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