NatWest Group, the UK?s retail banking institution, has announced plans to hire approximately 4,000 engineers in Bengaluru over the next two years following its recent expansion in the city. The company indicated that it has leased a new office in Bagmane Constellation Business Park, which spans 370,000 square feet across 11 floors, aimed at enhancing its engineering and innovation hub.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NatWest Group noted that this new site follows last year?s announcement of its intention to recruit 3,000 new software engineers in India by 2026. The new office is expected to have a seating capacity three times that of the current office, with opportunities for further expansion.

The company further mentioned the need to hire an additional 4,000 people, which would bring the total workforce in the Bengaluru office to 6,000 by 2026. Currently, NatWest Group employs around 17,000 people in India across three centres, including Gurugram and Chennai, with approximately 2,000 employees based in Bengaluru.

India is now recognized as NatWest's second-largest employee base outside the UK. The banking group expressed its intention to build deep engineering and data capabilities and to hire niche domain specialists at the new Bengaluru facility, which will serve as a hub for pioneering technology solutions and cutting-edge developments. This initiative aims to help the bank "work in simpler and smarter ways to better serve our customers."

Punit Sood, the head of India at NatWest Group, stated that the new Bengaluru office represents not just an expansion of physical space but a strategic investment in the future. He emphasised that the modern office design is intended to enhance productivity and create an inspiring environment for employees, reflecting the company?s commitment to the vast potential of India?s talent and technology ecosystem.

Scott Marcar, the group chief information officer, highlighted Bengaluru's reputation for its vibrant technology sector and skilled talent pool. He remarked that this new office marks a significant chapter in NatWest's growth journey in India, further strengthening its global operations and positioning the bank at the forefront of innovation while prioritising improvements to both customer and colleague experience.