The bank provides private banking, financial planning and investment management services that include loans, mortgages, savings accounts and investment advisory services as well as tax and estate planning services. The bank’s clients typically are high-net-worth individuals and families.

C. Hoare and Co. has two branches, located at 37 Fleet Street and 32 Lowndes Street in London.

Industry Finance and Insurance
Founded 1672
Headquarters London, England, UK
Key people Richard Hoare,
Henry Hoare
Alexander S. Hoare, CEO
Products Financial services
Total assets £2 billion
Employees 300
Website www.hoaresbank.co.uk

Brief History

Richard Hoare, who founded the C. Hoare bank, on the 5 July 1672 began his working life apprenticed to a goldsmith.

Following the Bank Charter Act 1833 many of the 4,000 or so private banks disappeared. In the first half of the century Hoares maintained a steady business. In the second half the partners running the bank almost brought it down with unsuccessful speculation and poor management.

Famous customers of the 19th century included Lord Byron (poet) and Jane Austen (author).

A revival of fortunes for the bank took place in the 20th century with the early years seeing the credibility of the bank restored. After World War I most of the remaining private banks were absorbed by the larger banks. Hoares took a decision not to merge and today is the sole survivor as an independent bank. The bank was a partnership until 1929, when the partners adopted its current structure, forming themselves into a private unlimited liability company in which they were the sole shareholders.

Current Operations

Today the bank has approximately £2 billion in assets and remains under the ownership of the Hoare family. Alexander S. Hoare, the former CEO of the Bank, who is currently on sabbatical, represents the 11th generation to manage C. Hoare & Co. He has been replaced by the first non-family member in an executive position; former head of Credit Suisse Private Bank Jeremy Marshall.