Barclays agrees to acquire UK business of children's fintech GoHenry from Acorns

Barclays has agreed to acquire the UK business of GoHenry, the children's debit-card and money-management app, from US-based fintech Acorns, the two companies said on Friday. Barclays UK is the buyer, and Barclays describes GoHenry as one of the most recognised youth-banking brands in the UK.

GoHenry offers pre-paid debit cards and a companion app that lets parents set allowances, savings goals and spending controls for children and teenagers. Under the transaction, Barclays will take on the UK operation, while Acorns retains the GoHenry US business, which now operates under the Acorns Early brand, as well as Pixpay in Europe.

STRATEGIC FIT FOR BARCLAYS

Barclays said the transaction accelerates its strategy to deepen customer relationships, including with mass affluent households, through purpose-built capabilities. Vim Maru, chief executive of Barclays UK, said GoHenry would "turbocharge our offering for households and families".

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Acorns acquired GoHenry in 2023. Acorns chief executive Noah Kerner said that "as we double down on growing the leading financial wellness app for American families, selling the GoHenry UK business to Barclays allows GoHenry to serve many more UK kids".

REGULATORY AND COMPETITIVE BACKDROP

Barclays said the deal would reduce its CET1 ratio by about 5 basis points and would not affect its financial guidance or targets for 2026 or 2028.

GoHenry, launched in 2012, serves more than half a million UK children, employs about 200 people and says it has helped over 2 million young people build money skills. GoHenry founder Louise Hill said joining Barclays gives GoHenry "a platform to accelerate that mission in the UK".

Barclays said it intends to retain the GoHenry brand with its standalone app, and Hill said the deal would let GoHenry offer members a pathway to continue their money journey when they turn 18.