The investment-focused workshop is designed to help more people understand the basics of investing and build financial confidence. The sessions are informal and aim to encourage open conversations. Sessions are primarily being delivered to the employees of NatWest Group business customers, but people attending do not need to be NatWest customers. Financial Foundations sessions are also available to businesses and organisations that do not bank with NatWest. Details of how to sign up for the sessions will be available on NatWest's website, and the bank said it will also contact business customers to make them aware of the service.
The launch builds on the bank's existing programme of workshops, which cover skills such as budgeting, saving and planning for the future. NatWest Group announced earlier this year it was expanding the programme to reach around 1,000 people a week. The bank is aiming to support 50,000 people during 2026 with free financial education and guidance, delivered in workplaces, charities and community groups. NatWest Group said it is training an additional 300 staff to become facilitators to deliver sessions, who will join an existing network of around 400 staff who already deliver in-person workshops.
A survey of 5,000 people commissioned by NatWest and carried out by OnePoll in March found 58% would be likely to take part in a financial education session on investing if it was offered in their workplace. The existing programme has been running since 2024 and has helped develop confidence in saving and money management for over 31,000 people in the UK in 2025. Changes were made from April 6 meaning some firms can offer targeted support to help people make better-informed decisions about what to do with their money, based on what they would recommend to those in similar circumstances. In December, the FCA said at least 18 million people could be offered extra help with their investments and pensions over the next decade with the introduction of targeted support.