Barclays, which has opted to raise fresh capital without tapping the UK Government's £50bn (€63.4bn) rescue fund, this morning sent out a clear message that it is ready to take advantage of the effective nationalisation of two domestic rivals and poach top investment banking staff for its own business.

Speaking on a call to discuss Barclays' plans to raise new capital without government help, chief executive John Varley referencing the UK Government’s plans to take controlling stakes in two UK banks said “some staff” might not want to work for a “government-controlled bank”.