Barclays to Acquire Youth Finance App GoHenry from Acorns | LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis
Barclays has announced an agreement for its UK retail banking arm, Barclays Bank UK, to acquire GoHenry, the money management platform designed for children aged 6 to 18, from US-based fintech company Acorns. Completion of the deal is expected in Q4 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
GoHenry, which launched in 2012, offers a purpose-built app allowing children to learn to earn, save, spend and invest, supported by parental controls and monitoring tools. The platform also facilitates Junior ISA investments and in-app money lessons. It currently serves more than half a million UK children, with over 2 million young people having used the platform since its launch. The company employs approximately 200 staff and operates on a cloud-based technology platform.
Barclays has confirmed it will retain the GoHenry brand as a standalone app. The bank said the acquisition accelerates its strategy to deepen customer relationships, particularly with mass affluent households, and supports its ambition to serve customers across all life stages.
Vim Maru, CEO of Barclays UK, said the deal would “turbocharge” the bank’s offering for households and families, while GoHenry founder Louise Hill highlighted that joining Barclays would give the platform greater capacity to serve more UK children and offer members a pathway to continue their financial journey beyond the age of 18.
Financially, the transaction is expected to reduce Barclays’ CET1 ratio by approximately 5 basis points upon completion, though it will not affect the group’s existing 2026 or 2028 financial guidance.
Acorns will retain the GoHenry US business, operating under the Acorns Early brand, as well as European platform Pixpay.
