A top court has quashed an attempt by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office to reinstate charges against Barclays over the bank's fundraisings in 2008, when it dodged a state bailout thanks to Qatari investors.

Barclays said in a statement on Friday that the High Court had denied the SFO’s application to reinstate the charges. The SFO said separately that it cannot comment on the judge’s decisions, citing reporting restrictions and contempt of court laws.