Who is Katharine Braddick?

Katharine Braddick is a former UK Treasury official and a senior Barclays executive who will become deputy governor for prudential regulation and CEO of the PRA on 1 July. She will oversee prudential supervision of UK banks, building societies, and insurers, focusing on safety, soundness, and a competitive financial sector.

What could change in UK bank capital rules under her leadership?

Expect continuity with targeted refinements. Any changes will likely focus on clarity, proportionality for smaller firms, and model comparability. Investors should watch consultations on buffer calibration and risk weights. Shifts are likely incremental and tested through impact analysis before final rules take effect.

How might this affect mortgages and UK lending?

Capital calibration influences how lenders price mortgages and consumer credit. Clearer, simpler rules can support competition and stable loan growth without weakening standards. Track banks’ risk weighted assets, arrears trends, and guidance on secured lending as signals for future pricing, approval rates, and market share dynamics.

What does this mean for UK insurers?

Insurer solvency rules drive annuity capacity and investment in long term assets. With Katharine Braddick leading the PRA, expect stable protection for policyholders and potential clarity that supports productive investment. Watch solvency coverage ratios, reinsurance quality, and guidance on illiquid assets for signs of capacity and risk appetite.

When does Katharine Braddick start and what should investors monitor first?

She starts on 1 July. First, read her speeches and PRA consultation papers for policy signals. Then track banks’ capital ratios and insurer solvency coverage in results. Market data on mortgage approvals, arrears, and SME lending surveys will show how supervision is influencing credit supply and pricing.

Global Market Insights

Katharine Braddick to Lead UK PRA from July 1 — February 28

ByDanny Kontos February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

Katharine Braddick will become deputy governor for prudential regulation and CEO of the Prudential Regulation Authority on 1 July, succeeding Sam Woods. This Bank of England appointment puts a former Treasury official and Barclays executive at the helm of UK prudential policy. Investors should watch for signals on UK bank capital rules, lending capacity, and insurer solvency. We outline what Katharine Braddick may prioritise, how policy choices could influence bank dividends and loan growth, and what UK savers, borrowers, and shareholders should monitor next.