JEREMY Hunt has revealed the government will look to offload its remaining stake in Natwest to retail investors over the next year as part of a bid to boost participation in public markets.

The government took a majority stake in Natwest after the 2008 financial crisis but has been shaving down its ownership of the lender and feeding shares back to the market.

In the autumn statement, Hunt said the government will now look to sell a chunk of its remaining 38.6 per cent stake.

"I will explore options for a Natwest retail share offer in the next 12 months subject to supportive market conditions and achieving value for money," the Chancellor said.

(c) 2023 City A.M., source Newspaper