Are Barclays’ branches at risk over $3bn Qatar loan? | Larry Elliott

SFO charge against retail division could mean loss of licence but it is the nuclear optionIn October 2008, almost a decade ago, the British banking system stood on the brink of collapse. Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group were rescued by a government bailout, while a third bank – Barclays – avoided the need to take taxpayers’ money through its own fundraising efforts in the UAE and Singapore.Part of that arrangement – a $3bn loan the UK bank made to Qatar &nd