币界网报道:Santander and Barclays are reportedly in a fierce competition to acquire TSB as part of a major shakeup in the UK banking sector. Sources indicate that both banking giants are evaluating potential bids for TSB, which is currently owned by Spanish bank Sabadell. The move comes amid increasing consolidation in the industry, driven by digital transformation pressures and the need for scale to compete with fintech disruptors. Santander, which already has a strong UK presence through its eponymous subsidiary, sees TSB as an opportunity to expand its retail banking footprint. Barclays, meanwhile, is looking to bolster its domestic market share after focusing heavily on investment banking in recent years. Analysts suggest a deal could value TSB at around £1.5 billion, though regulatory hurdles may complicate any acquisition. The potential sale has sparked debate about competition in British retail banking, with some experts warning that further consolidation could reduce consumer choice. TSB, which operates over 500 branches across the UK, has been undergoing a turnaround since its problematic IT migration in 2018 that left millions of customers unable to access services. Sabadell has been considering strategic options for TSB as part of its broader restructuring efforts. The outcome of this bidding war could significantly reshape the UK banking landscape, particularly in the challenger bank segment where TSB has positioned itself as a customer-friendly alternative to larger institutions.