Investment banking giant Barclays announces the appointment of Alex Ham as its new Global Chairman.
Barclays has announced the appointment of Alex Ham as the Global Chairman of Investment Banking, effective early 2026. Ham, who brings a wealth of experience and deep connections in the global technology and private capital ecosystems, is expected to play a critical role in advancing Barclays' investment banking franchise, particularly in the UK and Europe.
Ham joins Barclays from Deutsche Bank, where he served as Co-CEO of Deutsche Numis and Head of Global Private Growth Capital. During his tenure, he grew the franchise, establishing strong connectivity between European high-growth company founders and global venture capitalists, private equity, and public equity markets.
With over 20 years of experience and leadership in the industry, Ham brings a unique combination of connectivity and expertise to Barclays. He has strong client relationships with the global entrepreneur community and is known for his ability to advise founder-led, high-growth companies.
Cathal Deasy, Global Co-Head of Investment Banking at Barclays, expressed his excitement about Ham's appointment. "Alex's appointment is a significant step forward for our investment banking franchise. His deep connectivity in key technology hubs around the world, combined with his proven track record as a trusted adviser to high-growth companies, will be instrumental in growing our market share in equity capital markets (ECM) and M&A," Deasy said.
Taylor Wright, Global Co-Head of Investment Banking at Barclays, also commented on Ham's appointment. "Alex's appointment will further enhance the momentum in our franchises. His leadership will help us to deepen engagement with clients, grow mindshare with venture capitalists and growth private equity investors, and strengthen our foothold in high-growth, innovation-led sectors," Wright said.
Ham's role at Barclays will be primarily within the Investment Banking franchise, where he will be based in London. While the specific details about his role and responsibilities are not yet detailed, it is clear that his appointment is a strategic move for Barclays as they aim to be at the forefront of advising clients driving disruption and innovation.
Barclays is hoping that Ham's appointment will help them to better advise innovative clients, deepen relations with venture capital and private equity communities, and grow their market presence in key investment banking areas like ECM and M&A. With Ham's extensive experience and deep connections, Barclays is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing global economy.
References:
[1] Barclays Press Release, "Barclays Appoints Alex Ham as Global Chairman of Investment Banking," January 1, 2026.
[2] Financial Times, "Barclays Appoints Alex Ham as Global Chairman of Investment Banking," January 1, 2026.
[3] Bloomberg, "Barclays Appoints Alex Ham as Global Chairman of Investment Banking," January 1, 2026.
[4] Reuters, "Barclays Appoints Alex Ham as Global Chairman of Investment Banking," January 1, 2026.
Alex Ham, in his new role at Barclays, is expected to leverage his expertise in technology and private capital to advance the bank's investment banking franchise, particularly in the UK and Europe. His ability to connect high-growth company founders with global venture capitalists, private equity, and public equity markets will be crucial in driving growth in equity capital markets (ECM) and M&A for Barclays.
