Starling Bank Welcomes Ex-HSBC CEO Colin Bell as New Chair

Starling Group has announced that Colin Bell is to become the new Chair of the Boards of Starling Group Holdings Limited and Starling Bank Limited on 1 July 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Assuming leadership during a critical financial juncture, Colin will guide the digital bank into a highly profitable enterprise.

The organisation is now prioritising sustainable returns and the expansion of its balance sheet via a broader range of lending activities.

Colin Bell initially joined the Starling Board in October 2025 as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Since then, he has served as the Chair of the Board Risk Committees for both Starling Bank Limited and Starling Group Holdings Limited.

Following an announcement in March, he is set to succeed David Sproul as Chair of both Boards.

David concludes his tenure after five years of overseeing significant change and expansion within the company.

Raman Bhatia, Group CEO, says: “Over the last few months Colin has shown himself to be a leader who skilfully balances constructive challenge and support.

“My executive team and I look forward to working closely with him as we execute Starling’s strategy for growth.”

His background in risk management – having previously managed complex global regulatory frameworks – aligns with Starling's strategic need for rigorous governance as its asset portfolio expands.

Colin says: “It’s an honour to be joining Starling as Chair at a time when the business is so well positioned for its next phase of growth. 

“David leaves behind a strong legacy – a rigorous governance framework and a deep-rooted culture that puts customers at the heart of every decision.

“I look forward to working closely with the board and the executive team to ensure that we scale with both pace and discipline.”

Corporate leadership and risk expertise

With a background as the former CEO of HSBC Bank PLC and HSBC Europe, Colin offers significant expertise in large-scale transformation and commercial leadership.

His proficiency in risk management and compliance is further highlighted by his previous roles as Head of Compliance and Operational Risk Control at UBS and Group Chief Compliance Officer at HSBC.

Prior to his banking career, Colin served 16 years in the British Army, where he held various staff and command positions.

For Starling, this wealth of corporate experience is essential. The banking group needs strong leadership to manage evolving macroeconomic trends, fluctuating interest rates and heightened regulatory oversight.

David says: “I wanted to be able to hand over the reins to someone who could steward Starling through its next phase of growth and development and I’m confident that Colin fits this brief.

“I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success.”

The transition reflects an orderly succession plan designed to maintain investor confidence and executive continuity.

As digital banks face greater pressure to prove the long-term viability of their business models, strong board governance acts as a crucial foundation for institutional backing.