The top-level domain (TLD) “.barclays” is a branded domain specific to the Barclays group, a British multinational investment bank and financial services company. The “.barclays” TLD falls under the category of a brand top-level domain (Brand TLD), or “.brand” TLDs, wherein companies can apply to create a TLD using their own brand name.
ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the non-profit organization that coordinates and manages internet protocol numbers and DNS root, has a New gTLD Program that has resulted in the creation of a wide selection of new, brand-specific TLDs, including “.barclays”. This information can be obtained from the ICANN’s official website.
The use of branded TLDs like “.barclays” offer several advantages. A key benefit is that they provide a platform for companies to unify their online presence under a single, easily recognizable domain name that mirrors their brand. Barclays has followed this route, streamlining their main website and various business units under the “.barclays” TLD.
For customers, a branded TLD can enhance trust and security. For example, when interacting with a website ending in “.barclays”, users can be confident that they are dealing with an official Barclays entity. Such TLDs can also deter phishing attacks and reduce the risk of counterfeit sites, as only the brand owner can operate websites under the domain.
Examples of such usage by Barclays could be domains like “www.home.barclays” (their corporate website) and “www.banking.barclays” (hypothetical example for a possible online banking arm).
According to a brand data report published by CSC (a domain name and brand protection company), brands have been increasingly using their “.brand” domains, and banking and financial services are among the sectors leading in their adoption.
The details about “.barclays” TLD could also be found at the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) website, where each TLD is registered including details about the sponsoring organization and administrative contacts.
In conclusion, the “.barclays” TLD is an innovative and strategic branding tool by Barclays that enhances their online presence, strengthens brand identity and trust among customers while providing a more secure online environment against phishing and fraudulent activities.
Sources:
1. ICANN’s website – Information about new gTLD Program and Brand TLDs
2. CSC’s Brand Data Report
3. IANA’s website – Register of TLDs
