Arbuthnot Latham originated in the City of London, United Kingdom, where it was established as a merchant banking and general merchant firm on May 13, 1833, by founding partners Alfred Latham and John Alves Arbuthnot. Originally launched to facilitate trade and financial operations associated with international markets including India, the institution gradually evolved over nearly two centuries into a specialized private and commercial bank, maintaining its headquarters in central London throughout its long operational history.