Barclays announced that Barclays Bank UK has entered into an agreement to acquire GoHenry from Acorns, strengthening the bank’s family and youth banking capabilities.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Founded in 2012, GoHenry operates a digital money management platform for children ages 6 to 18. The app enables young users to learn how to earn, save, spend, invest, and give, while providing parents with tools to monitor and guide their children’s financial decisions. The platform includes prepaid debit cards with parental controls, savings goals, financial education lessons, and Junior ISAs.
GoHenry currently serves more than 500,000 children in the UK and has helped more than 2 million young people develop money management skills. The company employs approximately 200 people and is supported by a cloud-based technology platform.
Barclays said it plans to retain the GoHenry brand and standalone app following the acquisition. The transaction is designed to support the bank’s strategy of deepening customer relationships and providing financial services throughout every stage of life.
Acorns acquired GoHenry in 2023 and integrated its U.S. operations into the Acorns Early brand. Following the sale, Acorns will retain the U.S. business as well as Pixpay in Europe. The companies also said they are exploring additional opportunities for collaboration.
Barclays noted that the acquisition is not expected to affect the group’s financial guidance or targets for 2026 or 2028.
KEY QUOTES:
“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
“At Acorns, we’re bringing financial wellness to the whole family. Acquiring GoHenry in 2023 accelerated that ambitious vision, establishing Acorns Early as a US leader in the kids space with over 1.4 million customers. As we double down on growing the leading financial wellness app for American families, selling the GoHenry UK business to Barclays allows GoHenry to serve many more UK kids and further its important mission.”
Noah Kerner, CEO of Acorns
