As a result clients risked incurring extra costs, lengthy delays or losing their assets if Barclays had become insolvent.
This is the highest fine ever imposed by the FCA or its predecessor the FSA for client assets breaches, reflecting ‘significant weaknesses’ in the systems and controls in Barclays’ Investment Banking Division between November 2007 and January 2012 and the number of affected accounts.
David Lawton, FCA director of markets, said:
"Safeguarding client assets is key to maintaining market confidence if firms fail - Barclays lack of focus on the rules was unacceptable. Our on-going scrutiny of firms’ compliance reflects the importance of the regime, which protects custody assets worth £10 trillion held in the UK."
Tracey McDermott, FCA director of enforcement and financial crime, said:
"Barclays failed to apply the lessons from our previous enforcement actions, numerous industry-wide warnings, and exposed its clients to unnecessary risk. All firms should be clear after Lehman that there is no excuse for failing to safeguard client assets."
