Our history

In 1692, John Campbell of Lundie in Scotland sets up as a goldsmith-banker on the Strand, London. Under the now-iconic sign of ‘The Three Crowns’, he offers a full banking service.  
 
Queen Anne commissions Campbell to make collars and badges for the Order of the Thistle.  
 
In 1708, Campbell takes on another Scottish goldsmith, George Middleton, as partner. Campbell dies in 1712 and Middleton marries his daughter Mary.  

George Middleton focuses further on banking and welcomes John Campbell's youngest son George to the business in 1727. A third partner — David Bruce — joins in 1744.
 
When Middleton dies three years later, the surviving partners continue the business. They were known as the ‘Bankers of 59 Strand’ — their premises since 1739.

Our founder’s granddaughter Mary Peagrum marries Scottish merchant James Coutts. The bank is now known as ‘Campbell & Coutts’.
 
From 1761 the business is run by James and his younger brother Thomas. James retires in 1775 and Thomas becomes senior partner.
 
Under his leadership the bank becomes Thomas Coutts & Company, heralding a period of impressive growth.  

When Thomas Coutts dies in 1822, his estate and share of the bank pass to his second wife, Harriot. The bank becomes Coutts & Co.
 
Harriot runs the bank for 15 years. She decrees that her share should pass to a family member upon her death.
 
In 1837 at just 23, Angela Burdett-Coutts, granddaughter of Thomas, inherits 50% of the bank’s profits. However, Harriot’s will does not allow her to run the business. 

Angela Burdett-Coutts becomes the public face of the bank and decides to dedicate her life and wealth to charitable causes. She is made a peeress by Queen Victoria in 1871.
 
The Victorian era brings challenges and opportunities. New industries demand investment. The new joint-stock banks are fierce competition for established private banking houses like Coutts.
 
The Baring crisis of 1890 forces many banks to reassess their position. In June 1892, Coutts changes its status, dissolving the partnership and becoming an unlimited liability company.
 

In 1904, after 165 years at 59 Strand, the bank moves to number 440, where it remains today. Angela Burdett-Coutts dies in 1906 and is laid to rest in Westminster Abbey.
 
In 1914, Coutts acquires the City bankers Robarts, Lubbock & Co, creating its first branch at 15 Lombard Street and gaining a seat in the Clearing House.
 
In 1919, Coutts is amalgamated with the National Provincial & Union Bank of England Ltd, but maintains its name, management and style of service.

Coutts’ Park Lane branch opens in 1921. Others will follow, first elsewhere in London and then beyond.
 
The bank is quick to embrace new technology, and is the first British bank to use a fully computerised accounting system in 1963.
 
In January 1969, the merger of the Westminster Bank and the National Provincial makes Coutts part of the larger NatWest Group.

In 2000, Coutts becomes the private banking arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland, now known as NatWest Group.
 
During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, Coutts offers substantial repayment holidays to clients and loans to businesses through government schemes.
 
In 2024, Emma Crystal joins as CEO, beginning a bold new era for Coutts.