Sasha Wiggins announced as Chair of UK’s retail investment campaign

Sasha Wiggins, Chief Executive of Private Bank and Wealth Management at Barclays, has today been named as the Chair of the UK’s new retail investment campaign.

Announced by the Chancellor as part of the Leeds Reforms, the nationwide campaign will raise awareness about the importance of investing for people’s future financial wellbeing and the value it brings to the economy. The campaign is expected to run across several years with the aim of encouraging those who can, to become investors. It will focus on the benefits of investing, and encourage individuals to make more informed decisions in support of their long-term financial goals.

Sasha will lead the campaign’s Steering Group, comprised of leading industry figures from across the financial services sector, who have committed to support the campaign. Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association (IA) will act as Deputy Chair.  The industry funded campaign is supported by His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), with the IA acting as its Secretariat.  

Sasha Wiggins, Chief Executive of Private Bank and Wealth Management at Barclays, said: “I am extremely pleased to Chair this important initiative which will help more people in the UK understand the benefits of investing. For too long, the UK has had the lowest level of retail investing among G7 countries – and significantly lower levels than we saw in the UK two decades ago. This campaign will help make investing an everyday reality for more people. By increasing awareness, the campaign will aim to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions that will contribute to their future wellbeing.”

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the IA, said: “Sasha’s extensive expertise within the banking and wealth management sector, and her commitment to enabling people to achieve their financial goals, makes her exceptionally well-placed to chair this campaign. I look forward to working with Sasha and the Steering Group, as its deputy chair, to deliver an engaging and creative campaign that really moves the dial to get more people investing. The IA has long championed the need for a culture of inclusive investment and I’m proud to take this work forward.”    

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Too often a lack of information and support puts people off investing, and benefiting from growth in our economy. Sasha’s expertise will help bring this campaign to life, break down barriers to investing and help savers’ money work harder for them - putting more money in their pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”

Notes to Editors

Find out more about the campaign on our webpage here.