Crown Agents

Sectors:

  • Government & government agency business related services Government procurement services

Notes:

Traces origins to mid 18th century when individuals in London were appointed by colonial administrators to puchased goods and services for their account. Their role gradually became more formalised and regulated as 19th century progressed. In 1833 reorganised as Agents General for the Crown Colonies. From 1863 the function was named Crown Agents for Colonies. By now activities had broadened to including raising finance for colonial governments and project management of infrastructure investment. Early 20th century enabled to act for overseas public bodies generally. 1954 renamed Crown Agents for Overseas Governments & Administrations. Damaged by Secondary Banking Crisis. 1989 formed Crown Agents Financial Services Ltd, from 2006 known as Crown Agents Bank Ltd. 1990s more broadly interpreted traditional client base and nature of services, embracing, for example, East European governments as clients and complex finance and project consultancies as functions. 1997 privatised as Crown Agents for Overseas Governments & Administrations Ltd

Groups: