Anne Boden

Anne Boden

BIO:

• Name: Anne Elizabeth Boden
• Title/Position: Founder and Former CEO of Starling Bank
• Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Age: 65 – (January 1960)
• Net Worth: Estimated at £125 million as of 2021

Anne’s Story

Anne Boden‘s journey from a steelworker’s daughter in Swansea to a pioneering force in digital banking is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Bon-y-maen, Wales, Anne was the only child of hardworking parents—a steelworker father and a department store worker mother. Her passion for learning led her to Swansea University, where she earned a degree in Computer Science and Chemistry in 1981.

Anne’s career commenced with a graduate role at Lloyds Bank, setting the stage for over three decades in the financial sector. She held significant positions at renowned institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, ABN AMRO, and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Notably, as Head of EMEA at RBS, she managed a payments business across 34 countries. Her tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Allied Irish Banks (AIB) was marked by efforts to rejuvenate the bank post the 2008 financial crisis. 

In 2014, driven by a vision to revolutionize banking through technology, Anne founded Starling Bank. Her goal was to create a digital-only bank that prioritized customer experience and transparency. Despite initial skepticism and challenges—including selling her house to fund the venture—Anne’s determination saw Starling Bank flourish. By 2021, the bank achieved a valuation of £1.1 billion, boasting over two million accounts and a loan book nearing £5 billion.

Anne’s leadership not only disrupted traditional banking but also paved the way for women in fintech, making her the first woman to establish a British bank. 

Career Highlights

Key Milestones:

• 1981: Graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Computer Science and Chemistry.
  
• 2012: Joined Allied Irish Banks as Chief Operating Officer to aid in post-crisis recovery.
  
• 2014: Founded Starling Bank, aiming to redefine banking through digital innovation.
  
• 2023: Stepped down as CEO of Starling Bank to focus on her role as a major shareholder.
  

Achievements:

• Honors: Awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to financial technology.
  
• Publications: Authored “Banking On It: How I Disrupted an Industry” in 2020, detailing her entrepreneurial journey.
  
• Industry Influence: Served on the board of UK Finance and as an advisor to the UK government’s Board of Trade.
  

Anne Boden’s Net Worth

Anne Boden’s estimated net worth of £125 million is primarily attributed to her significant ownership stake in Starling Bank. Her financial acumen and strategic leadership have been instrumental in the bank’s growth and profitability. Beyond her role at Starling, Anne’s wealth is complemented by her publications and advisory positions within the financial sector. citeturn0search16

Anne Boden in the News

• June 2023: Anne announced her decision to step down as CEO of Starling Bank, emphasizing her intention to focus on her role as a major shareholder. citeturn0search38
  
• July 2024: She departed from Starling’s board to pursue new ventures in artificial intelligence, signaling her ongoing commitment to technological innovation. citeturn0search0
  

Quotes by Anne Boden

• “I come from a long line of strong, determined women.”
  
• “It’s crazy, but I started my own bank.”
  

FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Anne Boden