Barclays announced on May 1 that Stephanie Avakian will join the company and be appointed Group General Counsel, effective July 1, 2026.
Avakian’s appointment follows the planned retirement of Stephen Shapiro, who will leave Barclays at the end of June after nearly ten years with the group. During a transition period through June, Avakian will work closely with Shapiro to ensure continuity in leadership.
Avakian previously served as Partner and Chair of the Securities and Financial Services Department at WilmerHale. Her experience includes advising public companies, investment banks, asset management firms, boards of directors, and executives on government investigations and securities litigation. Before joining WilmerHale, she was Director of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement until December 2020. In her SEC role starting in 2014 as Deputy Director, she worked with domestic and international regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority.
C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive of Barclays, said: “Stephanie brings exceptional depth of experience across financial services, regulation and complex litigation. Her leadership and global perspective will be a significant asset to Barclays, and I am delighted to welcome her to the bank.” He also said: “I would like to thank Stephen for his outstanding contribution to Barclays. He has been a trusted adviser to me, the Chairman, the Board and colleagues across the Group, leading with integrity and partnership.”
Shapiro joined Barclays in 2017 as Group Company Secretary before becoming Group General Counsel in 2020. The company credits him with transforming its legal risk management framework during his tenure.
Barclays operates globally serving both retail and wholesale customers according to its official website. The bank aims to partner for an enhanced financial future benefiting customers, clients and communities according to its official website. It is recognized for introducing key innovations such as launching Britain’s first automated teller machine in 1967 according to its official website and issuing Britain’s first debit card in 1987 according to its official website. Operating as a universal bank in Britain with diverse business segments according to its official website, Barclays traces its origins back to a goldsmith banking partnership established in London in 1690 according to its official website.
