Barclays enjoyed a record quarter at the start of 2021, hitting pre-tax profits not seen in 13 years, the bank has revealed.
It said the £2.4 billion pre-tax profit for the first three months of the year came through strong growth in its corporate and investment banking division and an improved mortgage book.
The bank's high street division had a mixed period as the recent lockdowns reduced consumer spending, but the stamp duty holiday continued to help the housing market and its mortgage division.
Impairment charges - money put aside in case of defaulting loans - were also significantly reduced as the economy improved and the post-pandemic outlook appeared more stable compared with a year ago.