UK-based digital bank Monument announced today it has reached £3 billion in client deposits. This marks rapid growth for the fintech startup targeting affluent customers. The bank reported accumulating its latest £1 billion in just over 10 weeks.
Still, it is more than four times less than the leaders among British challenger banks, which are abundant in the country, including Monzo and Revolut, with customer deposits reaching £11-12 billion.
Monument Bank Reaches £3 Billion in Client Deposits
According to the company, Monument, which launched operations in 2021, has doubled its client base in under six months. The bank offers savings accounts, fixed-term deposits and notice accounts through its mobile app.
“Having only hit our previous £2 billion milestone in May, I am delighted with the continued acceleration of our growth,” said Ian Rand, Monument's Chief Executive Officer.
The bank's deposit growth dynamics may surpass some larger UK challenger bank rivals, but in terms of total values, Monument still lags behind. For comparison, Revolut has around £12 billion in customer deposits, while Monzo and Sterling Bank have about £11 billion.
Monument aims to differentiate itself from the top challenger banks by targeting mass affluent customers and offering additional lifestyle services through its app. The bank touts features like in-app video calls and screen-sharing with customer service representatives.
Monument said it plans to launch new wealth management products in the second half of 2024. “Looking ahead, we’re continuing our mission to create products that help our clients to better manage their wealth, with some exciting launches coming up in the latter half of this year,” Rand added.
The bank will face increasing competition as traditional banks improve their digital offerings and other fintechs also target affluent demographics.
Rise of Challenger Banks
The UK has become a hub for challenger banks due to a supportive regulatory environment and technological innovation. These digital-first institutions are gaining popularity by offering user-friendly mobile apps, exceptional customer service, and competitive rates.
Challenger banks appeal to tech-savvy consumers and cost-conscious customers with their faster onboarding processes, enhanced digital experiences, and niche targeting. As they gain banking licenses and FSCS protection, consumer trust in these institutions has grown, particularly among younger generations.
Examples are not far to find. Starling Bank increased its revenue by 51% to £682.2 million in the fiscal year 2024. Meanwhile, Revolut reached a valuation of $40 billion, becoming the largest neobank, positioning itself to challenge traditional banks.
The rise of challenger banks in the UK reflects a broader shift towards more agile, customer-focused, and technologically advanced banking solutions. By addressing areas where traditional banks have been perceived as lacking, such as personalization and transparency, challenger banks are poised to play an increasingly significant role in the UK's banking landscape.
