Bob Diamond, the high-profile president of Barclays, is among key executives who stand to make millions of pounds if the bank sells iShares, the fast-growing asset management business, for as much as $6.5bn.

Even though Mr Diamond saw his total remuneration fall 99 per cent last year, from £21.1m to £250,000 and his shares lost £49.7m in value, he is set to be a beneficiary alongside other senior employees at Barclays Global Investors if the bank sells iShares, which is part of BGI.