Throughout its corporate history, Absa has expanded its market dominance through significant foundational mergers, corporate acquisitions, and structural integrations. Most notably, the British multinational financial conglomerate Barclays acquired a controlling majority stake in the group in 2005, subsequently integrating its African operations under the banner of Barclays Africa Group Limited. Following Barclays' later strategic and complete divestment of its shareholding, the group reclaimed its independence and transitioned back to operating under the Absa brand name.