‘The most senior roles were all taken by men’
Anne Boden, 61, lives in Southampton and is the CEO and founder of Starling Bank.
Growing up, my world went as far as the Welsh border. After finishing at comprehensive school, I went to the nearest university to home – Swansea – to graduate in Chemistry and Computer Sciences. But, despite my longing to stay in rural Wales, my parents encouraged me to broaden my horizons.
So, aged 21, when I got a place on a graduate scheme at Lloyds Bank in London, they were thrilled for me. After four years, I joined Standard Charter Bank and the next few decades saw me climbing the career ladder at various companies, and taking on several senior roles including Chief Operating Officer at Allied Irish Banks. But the higher I climbed, the fewer women I saw. The highestpaid, most senior roles were all taken by middle-class men in suits, and that bothered me – I was determined to break the stereotype.
Then, at 54, I found myself with a yearning for a new challenge. ‘I want to start my own bank,’ I told friends and colleagues. Despite my wealth of knowledge and experience, they told me it was impossible. Yes, it was ambitious, and I’d need £3 million to set it up – but, in time, I convinced the right people to support me.
Taking flight
People were shopping differently and I wanted my bank to reflect the changing times, with a focus on digital technology.
In 2016, an investor saw my vision and agreed to help. That year, we secured our banking licence, which gave us the authority to start a bank, and Starling was born. Just like the bird, our bank was sociable, adaptable, friendly and supportive. We now have more than two million customers across the world, we’ve won Best British Bank three times in a row, and I received an MBE for services to financial technology in 2018.
I’m so proud of all of my achievements, but setting up my own bank is by far my biggest accomplishment yet – my only regret is not going for it sooner.
‘Friends and colleagues said it was impossible’