Barclays expands family banking offering with GoHenry acquisition

Barclays has agreed to acquire GoHenry , the UK youth money management platform owned by Acorns , in a deal expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Founded in 2012, GoHenry offers a digital platform designed to help children aged 6 to 18 learn how to earn, save, spend, and invest through a prepaid debit card and mobile app with parental controls. The company currently serves more than 500,000 UK children and says it has helped over 2 million young people build money skills since launch.

According to Barclays, the acquisition supports its strategy to deepen relationships with households by expanding its offering for younger customers and families. The bank intends to retain the GoHenry brand and standalone app following completion of the transaction.

Acorns, which acquired GoHenry in 2023, will retain the US business operating under the Acorns Early brand, as well as Pixpay in Europe.

“GoHenry has played a pioneering role in creating youth-focused financial services, building a market-leading brand for children thanks to its innovative all-in-one app. We’re excited to welcome GoHenry to Barclays, where it will turbocharge our offering for households and families. GoHenry supports our vision to offer a deep and seamless banking experience to customers through all of life’s big moments, whether opening a very first account, saving for retirement, and everything in between.” – Vim Maru, CEO of Barclays UK.

“Our mission has always been to make every kid smart with money. Joining forces with Barclays gives GoHenry a platform to accelerate that mission in the UK. It also enables us to offer GoHenry members a pathway to continue their money journey when they hit 18 – because financial education shouldn’t have a start or end date. GoHenry isn’t going anywhere. What changes is our ability to do more.” – Louise Hill, Founder of GoHenry.