Starling Bank explores US IPO amid global growth plans

By Vriti Gothi

Starling Bank, a digital banking company, has confirmed that it is actively exploring the strategic merits of a potential listing on a US exchange, as the London-based FinTech accelerates plans to scale its operations in North America.

Declan Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer at Starling, outlined the bank’s measured approach, emphasising that while a New York listing could unlock additional value, the primary focus remains on establishing a robust US footprint to deliver sustainable long-term growth.

Declan Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer of Starling Bank, said, “We continue to observe what is happening externally with our peers, and also what is happening on the global stage in terms of the UK versus US stock markets. You have to have a brand there, you have to have presence there, you have to have US revenues there. I think lots of people are talking about it [listing in the US], the challenge is, are they doing it for the right reasons? For us, that is something that is still an emerging view.”

Founded in 2014 by Anne Boden, Starling Bank has redefined the banking experience through its customer-centric digital-first approach, robust technological architecture, and commitment to responsible growth. Now led by Group Chief Executive Raman Bhatia, Starling is positioning itself to bring its award-winning platform to a broader global audience, guided by a vision of accessible, agile, and innovative banking.

As part of its US expansion ambitions, Starling is reportedly assessing acquisition opportunities that could fast-track its entry into the American banking market, ensuring that any future listing is underpinned by real, localised operations and revenues. This disciplined approach reflects Starling’s wider ethos of sustainable growth and its commitment to delivering genuine value to customers and shareholders alike.

Ferguson underscored that the listing timeline remains deliberately flexible. “We have not formed a concrete view, and any decision over where and when to list is still in flux,” he noted, adding that the bank is in no rush to float.

The exploration of a US listing marks a potential pivot from Starling’s earlier intent to pursue an IPO in London, which the bank’s former interim chief executive had described as its “natural home”. Nonetheless, Starling’s leadership remains focused on aligning its capital market strategy with its long-term vision and global growth trajectory.

With UK peers like Revolut and Wise shifting their focus towards US capital markets, Starling’s assessment comes amid a broader recalibration within the FinTech sector as firms seek optimal valuation environments and investor bases that support their next phase of digital transformation.

As Starling continues to expand its international footprint, it remains committed to delivering secure, technology-led financial services that put customers first while driving innovation across the global banking landscape.