In the intricate world of global banking, few names resonate with strategic leadership, resilience, and forward-thinking vision as powerfully as Sasha Wiggins. A longstanding force within Barclays, Wiggins has carved out a formidable career defined by consistent progress, ethical governance, and transformative direction. Since her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management in February 2024, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to innovation, customer engagement, and sustainable growth.
Early Career and Rise within Barclays
Sasha Wiggins began her professional journey in the banking sector over two decades ago. Her entry into Barclays in 2002 marked the beginning of a career that would see her take on some of the most demanding and influential roles within the organisation. Starting in the private banking division, she quickly gained recognition for her analytical acumen and exceptional interpersonal skills.
Her talent for strategic thinking and operational execution soon propelled her to higher responsibilities. By 2015, she was entrusted with the role of CEO at Barclays Bank Ireland. In this capacity, Wiggins led major regulatory and operational shifts while maintaining financial performance and customer satisfaction at the heart of her work. Her ability to manage complex European banking dynamics, particularly post-Brexit, displayed a high level of executive maturity and geopolitical insight.
Transition to Group Leadership Roles
In 2018, Sasha Wiggins was appointed Group Chief of Staff, a role that offered her a panoramic view of Barclays’ global operations. Her responsibilities included coordinating cross-functional initiatives, advising senior leaders, and ensuring strategic alignment across diverse business units. This role was pivotal in equipping her with a broader understanding of global finance and corporate governance.
Later, she became Group Head of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility. Here, Wiggins played a key role in enhancing Barclays’ approach to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Her stewardship saw the bank adopt more rigorous sustainability policies and deepen its commitment to ethical business conduct. This phase of her career reflected a significant shift towards values-based leadership, a hallmark of her current philosophy.
Appointment as CEO: A New Chapter
In February 2024, Sasha Wiggins took over as the CEO of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, succeeding Jean-Christophe Gerard. Her appointment was both a recognition of her immense contribution to the bank and a strategic move to align leadership with Barclays’ evolving vision.
In her current role, Wiggins is responsible for overseeing Barclays’ global wealth management services, catering to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional clients. She leads teams across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, navigating the complexities of modern wealth management amid geopolitical volatility, digital transformation, and shifting client expectations.
A Vision Rooted in Transformation
Wiggins’ leadership is distinguished by a commitment to transformation. She has prioritised digitisation, aiming to make Barclays Private Bank a leader in cutting-edge financial technology. Her focus has been on building a seamless digital experience for clients while preserving the personalised advisory service that defines private banking.
Under her guidance, Barclays has also strengthened its focus on sustainable investing. Wiggins believes that wealth management in the 21st century must not only protect and grow capital but also contribute positively to global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and health crises. Her alignment with ESG principles has been instrumental in attracting a new generation of socially conscious investors.
Client-Centric Approach
What sets Sasha Wiggins apart is her deep empathy for clients. She places a premium on understanding their needs, ambitions, and challenges. By fostering a culture of listening, she has driven innovations in client servicing, including bespoke portfolio management, enhanced risk assessment tools, and proactive communication channels.
Her client-centric mindset also extends to financial literacy and inclusion. Recognising the barriers that often prevent underrepresented groups from accessing wealth services, she has championed initiatives aimed at broadening financial access and knowledge. These efforts are not only ethical but also strategically smart, expanding Barclays’ market reach and reinforcing brand loyalty.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Wiggins is also known for her unwavering support for diversity and inclusion within the financial industry. She has spoken openly about the importance of gender balance in leadership and actively mentors women aspiring to climb the corporate ladder. At Barclays, she has led internal programmes to promote diverse hiring, inclusive work environments, and equitable career development.
Her involvement with external organisations further reflects her commitment. She serves on the board of Grief Encounter, a charity supporting bereaved children, and holds the vice chair position on the Corporate Partnerships Board of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. These roles demonstrate her belief in the social responsibilities of corporate leaders.
Crisis Management and Strategic Resilience
Sasha Wiggins has also shown exemplary crisis management abilities. Whether dealing with regulatory changes, market downturns, or operational challenges, she remains composed and decisive. Her leadership during critical transitions – including the UK’s departure from the EU and the evolving regulatory landscape – reflects her strategic resilience.
She has embedded a risk-aware culture within the wealth management arm, balancing innovation with caution. Her decisions are informed by data but grounded in a humanistic approach. This rare combination allows her to steer the business through uncertainty while maintaining trust and profitability.
Global Influence and Industry Recognition
Wiggins’ stature extends beyond Barclays. She is widely respected across the financial sector for her intellect, ethics, and vision. Her inclusion in the Spear’s 500 Power List is a testament to her influence in wealth management circles.
Moreover, she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment, further validating her professional expertise and leadership. She is often invited to speak at international forums, where she shares insights on banking innovation, sustainable finance, and inclusive leadership.
The Road Ahead
As Sasha Wiggins continues to lead Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, the future holds ambitious targets. She is steering the organisation towards:
- Greater digital integration
- Expanding global client networks
- Developing AI-powered financial tools
- Strengthening partnerships with fintechs and family offices
- Deepening ESG investment frameworks
Her ability to blend vision with pragmatism ensures that Barclays will not only keep pace with change but also shape the future of banking.
Personal Leadership Philosophy
Wiggins’ leadership philosophy centres around authenticity, integrity, and impact. She encourages transparency, values teamwork, and insists on accountability at every level. Her team describes her as inspiring but approachable, strategic yet empathetic.
She once noted in a leadership talk that “true influence comes not from power, but from purpose.” This ethos is evident in how she leads, mentors, and engages with colleagues and clients alike.
Conclusion
Sasha Wiggins is more than just a CEO. She represents a new wave of banking leadership that fuses innovation with ethics, ambition with compassion, and tradition with transformation. Her journey from a private banking executive to the CEO of one of Barclays’ most vital divisions is a masterclass in purposeful leadership.
In an era where financial institutions face scrutiny, competition, and rapid technological change, leaders like Sasha Wiggins offer a blueprint for resilience and relevance. Her story continues to inspire not just women in finance but anyone striving to lead with vision and integrity. As the financial world evolves, Sasha Wiggins remains at the forefront, not just navigating change but defining it.
