List of Banks in the UK: The UK banking sector is one of the most developed in the world, offering various financial products and services. The list of banks in the UK includes large international banks and regional and local banks that focus on specific customer segments or geographical areas.
Banks present in the list of banks in the UK are also ranked highly in global banking reports. Banks in the UK are regulated by institutions like the Bank of England (BoE), which oversees monetary policy, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which ensures consumer protection and financial stability. Let us see the extensive list of banks in the UK and their functionality in the coming sections.
Table of contents
- Top 10 Largest Banks in the UK
- List of High Street Banks in the UK
- Major International Banks Operating in the UK
- List of Private Banks in the UK
- List of Challenger Banks in the UK
- List of Online-Only Banks in the UK
- List of Regional Banks in the UK
- UK Banks with the Best Customer Service
- How to Choose the Right Bank in the UK for Your Needs
- List of Top 10 Banks in the UK by Revenue
- FAQs on List of Banks in the UK
Top 10 Largest Banks in the UK
The banks in the UK have the greatest influence on the national economy, serving millions of individuals and businesses. Banks in the UK are well-established with vast networks of branches, digital platforms, and investment products. They hold significant assets and offer a broad spectrum of services, from simple banking to complex investment and international financing.
Various major banks offer top student bank accounts in the UK. Check out the list of largest banks in the UK along with their total assets and the location of their headquarters:
| Bank Name | Headquarters | Total Assets (in GBP billion) | Established |
| TSB Banking Group PLC | Edinburgh | 38.7 | 1810 |
| Metro Bank PLC | London | 22.5 | 2010 |
| Shawbrook Bank Limited | London | 8.9 | 2011 |
| Virgin Money UK PLC | Glasgow | 83.8 | 1995 |
| Standard Chartered PLC | London | 750.8 | 1853 |
| Lloyds Banking Group PLC | London | 852.5 | 1765 |
| NatWest Group PLC | Edinburgh | 837.5 | 1727 |
| Barclays PLC | London | 1,634.4 | 1690 |
| HSBC Holdings plc | London | 3,022.9 | 1865 |
| Santander UK PLC | London | 346.6 | 1857 |
Note: The total assets are based on data available up to 2023.
Also Read: The details about the Education Loan for Masters in Entrepreneurship in the UK. Read the blog to know more.
List of High Street Banks in the UK
High street banks are traditional banking institutions that provide a wide range of personal and business banking services, typically through physical branch networks. These banks have a long-standing presence on the UK’s high streets, offering services such as current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, currency exchange in London and personal loans.
Many of the UK’s largest financial institutions also fall under this category. Some of the most well-known high-street banks in the UK include:
- HSBC
- Barclays
- Lloyds Bank
- NatWest
- Santander UK
- Nationwide Building Society
Major International Banks Operating in the UK
Several global banks operate within the UK, offering various services, particularly to businesses, high-net-worth individuals and students. These international banks bring global expertise and cross-border financial products that cater to multinational corporations, investors, and institutional clients.
Some of the major international banks that have significant operations in the UK include:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Citibank
- Deutsche Bank
- UBS
- Goldman Sachs
List of Private Banks in the UK
Private banks in the UK provide specialized financial services to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and families. These banks focus on wealth management, investment advisory, estate planning, and other bespoke financial solutions.
Private banking services are generally more personalized than retail banking services, with dedicated relationship managers and tailored investment strategies. Students planning to study abroad can maintain a minimum bank balance for a UK visa in one of the private banks in the country.
Here’s a table with a list of private banks in the UK:
| Private Bank Name | Specialization | Notable Services |
| Coutts | Wealth management and private banking | Investment management, estate planning, philanthropy |
| Rothschild & Co. | Private banking, wealth management | Tailored financial advice, global investment strategies |
| J.P. Morgan Private Bank | Wealth management and advisory | Bespoke investment solutions, family office services |
| Kleinwort Hambros | Private banking, wealth management | Portfolio management, tax planning, estate planning |
| HSBC Private Banking | Wealth management and investment | Investment advisory, wealth structuring, philanthropic advice |
| Barclays Private Bank | Private banking and wealth management | Investment management, retirement planning, trusts |
| Lombard Odier | Private banking and asset management | Global investment strategies, financial planning |
| Bessemer Trust | Wealth management and advisory | Estate planning, tax advisory, family wealth management |
| Vermilion Partners | Investment management and advisory | Tailored financial solutions, alternative investments |
| Weatherbys Private Bank | Private banking and wealth management | Lending, investment advice, legacy planning |
List of Challenger Banks in the UK
Challenger banks in the UK are typically smaller, tech-driven banks that challenge the traditional banking model. These banks tend to operate without physical branches, offering most of their services through mobile apps or online platforms. Their appeal lies in their simplicity, user-friendly interfaces, and competitive pricing.
Popular Challenger Banks in the UK are:
- Monzo
- Starling Bank
- Revolut
- Atom Bank
- Tandem Bank
List of Online-Only Banks in the UK
Online-only banks, as the name suggests, operate without physical branches and provide all their services through digital platforms. This business model allows them to minimize overhead costs and pass the savings on to their customers in the form of better rates and lower fees. Many online-only banks have emerged in the UK, offering a more streamlined, modern approach to banking.
Notable online-only banks in the UK include:
- Monzo
- Revolut
- Atom Bank
- N26
- Starling Bank
- Kroo Bank
- Chase
- Zopa
Also Read: Know all about education loans for masters in the UK. Check out the top loan providers, effective rates of interest, and maximum amount offered.
List of Regional Banks in the UK
Regional banks play a vital role in the UK’s banking system, serving specific geographical areas or customer segments. These banks focus on building strong relationships with local communities, often offering personalized services that larger banks cannot match. While some regional banks have become part of larger banking groups, many remain independent, with a focus on serving small businesses and local customers.
Check out some of the notable regional banks in the UK-
- Adam and Company PLC
- Bank of Ireland
- TSB Bank
- Clydesdale Bank
- Yorkshire Bank
These banks often provide services like local mortgages, business loans, and savings accounts, focusing on the unique needs of their customers.
UK Banks with the Best Customer Service
Customer service is a major factor for UK consumers when choosing a bank. With so many options available, customers are increasingly prioritizing banks that offer efficient, personalized service both in-branch and online. Banks that excel in customer service often provide easy access to support, helpful and responsive staff, and streamlined processes.
According to customer satisfaction surveys, banks that provide the best customer service are:
- First Direct
- Metro Bank
- Nationwide Building Society
- Smile (The Co-operative Bank)
- HSBC
How to Choose the Right Bank in the UK for Your Needs
Choosing the right bank in the UK depends on several factors, including the types of services you need, your budget, and your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a bank with the best savings rates, low fees, or top-notch customer service, it’s important to research and compare different banks to find the one that best suits your needs.
Key factors to consider while choosing the best bank for you:
- Type of services offered (e.g., checking, savings, loans)
- Customer service quality and accessibility
- Digital banking features (mobile apps, online banking)
- Fees, interest rates, and product offerings
- Reputation for security and regulatory compliance
List of Top 10 Banks in the UK by Revenue
In 2021, the top 10 banks in the UK collectively generated USD 224.03 billion in revenue, showcasing their substantial contribution to the financial sector. HSBC Holdings Plc led the rankings with USD 80.56 billion in revenue, maintaining its dominance with operations spanning 64 countries.
Let us check out the list of banks in the UK that got the highest revenue in 2021:
| Rank | Bank Name | Revenue (2021) | Headquarters | Key Highlights |
| 1 | HSBC Holdings Plc | USD 80,558 million | London, United Kingdom | Global banking and financial services organization serving 40 million customers across 64 countries. |
| 2 | Lloyds Banking Group Plc | USD 66,900 million | London, United Kingdom | Focused on retail and commercial customers; highest revenue growth (24.6%). |
| 3 | Barclays Plc | USD 64,000 million | London, United Kingdom | Provides personal, corporate, and investment banking services globally. |
| 4 | Standard Chartered Plc | USD 38,600 million | London, United Kingdom | Operates primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with various banking services. |
| 5 | NatWest Group Plc | USD 31,900 million | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Offers banking products to personal, business, and commercial customers. |
| 6 | Virgin Money UK Plc | USD 5,000 million | Glasgow, United Kingdom | Provides mortgages, savings accounts, and credit cards. |
| 7 | Close Brothers Group Plc | USD 2,000 million | London, United Kingdom | Focuses on lending, deposit-taking, wealth management, and securities trading. |
| 8 | Shawbrook Group Plc | USD 1,500 million | Brentwood, United Kingdom | Specializes in lending and savings products for SMEs and consumers. |
| 9 | OSB Group Plc | Data not specified | Chatham, United Kingdom | Offers specialist lending and retail savings; lowest revenue growth (0.7%). |
| 10 | Bank of Ireland (UK) Plc | USD 890 million | Belfast, United Kingdom | Provides banking products and services to personal and business customers in the UK. |
The UK banking sector is vital to the national economy, with a diverse range of institutions, from well-established high street banks to emerging digital challengers. These banks offer comprehensive services for individuals, businesses, and global financial activities. With a focus on customer service, innovative digital solutions, and specialized financial offerings, UK banks continue to evolve to meet market demands.
When selecting a bank, it’s crucial to consider factors like service quality, product offerings, and reputation, ensuring the best fit for your financial needs.
To know more about the best bank accounts for students, forex, education loans and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
FAQs on List of Banks in the UK
The largest banks in the UK by total assets include HSBC Holdings, Barclays PLC, Lloyds Banking Group, and NatWest Group.
Major UK banks such as HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest are often considered safe due to their strong financial stability, global presence, and regulatory compliance.
Yes, banks like HSBC and Barclays frequently feature in global rankings of the best banks due to their significant assets, innovative banking services, and international reach.
C. Hoare & Co. is one of the oldest banks in the UK, established in 1672. It was founded by Sir Richard Hoare. The bank was originally located in Cheapside, London, at the “sign of the golden bottle”.
Banks such as HSBC, Barclays, and Standard Chartered have extensive global networks, operating in multiple countries worldwide.
Examples of regional banks include Virgin Money UK (Glasgow-based) and TSB Banking Group (Edinburgh-based).
Yes, several digital-only banks, such as Monzo, Starling Bank, and Revolut, operate in the UK, focusing on online and mobile banking services.
Many UK banks offer competitive international money transfer services, often through dedicated remittance programs or partnerships with money transfer operators.
Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, and Santander UK are popular choices for small business banking, offering tailored products such as business accounts, loans, and financial management tools.
High street banks are traditional institutions with physical branches, while challenger banks are smaller, tech-driven, and often operate exclusively online.
Follow Us on Social Media
