Anthony Thomson, the entrepreneur behind Metro Bank and Atom Bank, is preparing to launch a new international bank tailored exclusively for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Currently operating under the provisional name Family Offices Bank, the venture aims to go live by late 2026. The concept emerged after numerous conversations with family offices and UHNW clients who expressed growing frustration with the service standards of their existing banking partners.
“Family offices and UHNWIs feel underserved,” Thomson explained. “Their expectations have evolved, but incumbent banks have either slowed down or shown little interest in adapting—especially when it comes to supporting individual family members.”
The new bank is seeking to raise £500 million over five years, beginning with an initial £100 million round. Crucially, both its capital base and client base will be drawn exclusively from family offices and UHNWs—who will also become its shareholders.
The executive team includes seasoned leaders such as Paul Pester (former CEO of Virgin Money and TSB), Stuart Grimshaw (former CFO of Commonwealth Bank of Australia), and Samantha Bamert (former head of lending at Barclays).
According to Thomson, the offering will combine cutting-edge AI and digital banking infrastructure with personalised relationship management—designed specifically around the nuanced needs of family offices.
“Freed from outdated systems and traditional bank structures, we’re creating something built for purpose—offering flexible, modern solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s family offices,” he said.
The bank’s jurisdiction is yet to be finalised, but discussions are underway with locations including Jersey, Singapore, and the UAE.
