Leading market position in U.K. financial services, supplemented by growing franchises in global and international businesses; Strong and diversified earnings profile; Good strategic focus; Robust funding base; and Strong risk and capital management techniques. Despite business diversification, overall asset quality remains correlated with the strength of the U.K. economy; Margin pressures restrain profit growth, although increased focus on cost management and the product range help offset tighter margins; and Ambitious growth objectives in a range of businesses, including Barclays Capital could impact on overall earnings quality. The ratings on Barclays Bank PLC reflect its good income levels, improving cost control, satisfactory capital adequacy, and strong U.K. market position. Profitability is robust on an international basis, although correlated with U.K. economic
