The United Kingdom banks are prepared to reassure customers and companies of their support, since tariffs indicate a moment of “basin” for the economy, experts say.
Some of the largest lenders on the country's main street will publish their latest financial results next week.
The updates arrive at a critical moment for the global economy, with new US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump this month that is expected to interrupt trade and slow growth in many countries.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned this week that the global commercial system was entering a “new era” and uncertainty had reached “unprecedented” levels.
Although the latest bank results will cover the first three months of 2025, before the key rates ads, the lenders are expected to give an update on how they are responding to the broader volatility.
Peter Rothwell, bank manager at KPMG UK, said it is likely that the United Kingdom banks “emphasize their commitment to the United Kingdom, with retail and commercial customers.”
“I think he will listen to the banks to say that there is no reason to believe that it is not manageable, and they are willing to bow to help limit the impact as far as possible, but it is too early to say … they are not seeing many signs at this time, but they are still attentive, focused and ready to support,” Rothwell suggested.
This could see more lenders ready for greater loans to companies that need financial support, especially at a time when others could withdraw.
Rothwell described him as a moment of “Cuenca”, added: “There are as many opportunities as threats.”
The report season will begin with HSBC on Tuesday, followed by Barclays and Santander on Wednesday, Lloyds and Thursday, and Natwest on Friday.
In particular, the approach to investors will be HSBC and Barclays, as well as with the standard that is quoted in London, which have greater exposure to the interruption of global trade.
AJ Bell analysts said investors will seek the results of HSBC for an update on the perspectives of their Asia operations, which generated three quarters of their total gain before taxes last year, due to the impact of tariffs on China.
In addition, they could shed light on the effect of recent turbulence in financial markets, caused by tariffs, on their banks of banking and investment trade.
Advice functions such as the creation of agreements, including mergers and acquisitions, “remain challenged by market conditions,” said KPMG Rothwell, with a recent volatility that causes a certain “paralysis” in the market.
The main street banking group Lloyds is expected to report a slight fall in its gain before taxes of the first quarter, to £ 1.5 billion from £ 1.6 billion a year ago.
The Bank has reserved £ 1.2 billion to cover possible compensation costs related to the agreements of the Motor Finance Commission, which extended in their annual profits.
