COMMENT

expected to last up to four months – of 9 January 2019.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigated commercial agreements and fundraising deals made between Barclays and Qatari investors which date back to the 2008 financial crash.

The way the bank secured the investments in 2008 has been mired in controversy.

Investigations have focused on two “advisory services agreements” worth £322 million, which Barclays agreed to pay the Qatar Investment Authority.

The case marks the first criminal charges to be brought in the UK against a bank and its former executives for activities during the financial crisis