2023 brings unexpected challenges for NatWest despite £6.2bn profit amidst the fastest inflation rate rise since the 1970s.

NatWest Chairman Rick Haythornthwaite admitted the bank faced "unexpected challenges" in 2023, despite making a £6.2bn profit, as customers, the sector, and the economy faced the fastest rate rise cycle since the 1970s with persistent inflation. Haythornthwaite remained optimistic about the bank's resilience and its profit level since before the 2008 financial crisis.