Starling Bank is a UK-based, fully licensed digital challenger bank founded in 2014 by Anne Boden. Under the leadership of Raman Bhatia since March 2024, Starling has expanded both its retail banking and Engine SaaS platform, though it faced compliance challenges in 2025
Interview Questions & Answers
1. What’s your background and your vision for Starling?
Raman Bhatia: I joined from OVO and HSBC’s digital arm, bringing experience in scaling consumer and business banking. My vision is to elevate Starling’s global impact—through retail banking excellence and Engine’s SaaS growth .
2. How is Engine by Starling performing internationally?
Starling’s Engine is gaining traction globally. We’re closing international contracts and aiming to be a top-tier banking software provider
3. What challenges did the compliance fine reveal?
We faced UK regulatory fines (~£29m) due to inadequate financial crime controls and Covid-19 loan missteps It highlighted the need for stronger AML systems.
4. What governance steps are you implementing?
We’re enhancing leadership with new hires like CBO Raghu Narula, CIO Steve Newson, and CMO Michele Rousseau. We’ve also ramped up fraud detection and oversight protocols
5. How has staff culture changed?
We’ve shifted from remote-first to hybrid—requiring 10+ in-office days/month; some staff resistance did occur
6. What are Starling’s core retail services?
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Personal/business current and savings accounts
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Overdrafts and lending (incl. Bounce Back Loans)
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Debit cards
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International payments and Euro accounts
7. What differentiates Starling in the market?
Tech-first UX, profitability for three straight years, award-winning app (Best British Bank & app), and seamless SME support
8. Who are your main competitors?
Starling competes with Revolut, Monzo, Wise, and Qonto—differentiating via strong governance, Engine platform, and SME focus.
9. How are you tackling profitability after the slump?
Despite 26% drop to £223m profit in 2025, we’re accelerating Engine’s SaaS growth and streamlining risk & fraud operations
10. What’s the strategy behind Engine’s international push?
Starling is positioning Engine as a turnkey platform for banks globally, with dedicated teams closing deals outside UK .
11. What’s next in product innovation?
Expansion of SME banking, advanced fraud tools, improved APIs, and potential for embedded finance via Engine.
12. How is compliance evolving?
Investment in machine learning for AML, tighter KYC, DOJ-style governance, and elevated C-suite accountability.
13. How will Engine impact Starling’s finances long-term?
Engine promises recurring, high-margin revenue, complementing retail banking’s deposit/lending business.
14. Will Starling go public?
Possibly, once Engine gains global traction and we stabilize profit anew—public markets may open post-growth plateau.
15. What is your leadership mantra?
“Scale responsibly”—remain mission-driven while adhering to strong regulation and tech excellence.
16. Regulatory pressures—concerns?
Europe and UK remain reasonably supportive, but expectations on AML and fintech oversight continue to rise.
17. How are you addressing ESG?
Already profitable, now focusing more on sustainable lending and the bank’s carbon footprint, including Engine’s footprint.
18. Lessons from fintech peers?
Incumbents have caught up in UX; success lies in platform diversification, as we’re doing via Engine.
19. Advice for future fintech leaders?
Balance growth and governance early; winning requires strong tech, regulation, and people.
20. What’s your 3-year vision?
Become a top‑3 UK digital bank, global SME & retail player, and a leading SaaS provider via Engine.
🧭 Starling Bank Snapshot
Services
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Personal & business banking, Euro accounts, lending, overdrafts
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Debit cards, Bounce Back Loans
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Global payments, SME support, Engine SaaS
Competitors
Revolut, Monzo, Wise, Qonto
Positioning
Profitably operating (~£301m profit pre-2024; dip to £223m 2025)
Award-winning UX & hybrid work culture
Engine platform targeting international banks
🔍 Related Searches
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Engine by Starling SaaS growth
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Raman Bhatia interview Starling Bank
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Starling AML fine compliance measures
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Digital SME banking UK
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Challenger bank profitability 2025
❓ FAQ
Q: What is Engine by Starling?
A: A SaaS core banking platform licensed to other banks globally, leveraging Starling’s tech stack
Q: Why did profit drop in 2025?
A: Due to regulatory fines (£29m) and COVID loan compliance costs
Q: Is Starling profitable now?
A: Yes—profitable for 4 of the last 5 years; profit rebounded after compliance fixes .
Q: Is hybrid work mandatory?
A: Yes—employees must work in office at least 10 days/month, per new policy
Q: Will Starling IPO?
A: Not confirmed. Likely after Engine’s SaaS revenue scales and profit stability returns.
