- Business
- Metro Bank PLC is a UK-based independent retail and commercial bank headquartered in London, established in 2010. It offers a comprehensive range of personal and business banking products and services including current accounts, cash and foreign currency accounts, savings and time deposit accounts, residential and buy-to-let mortgages, personal and commercial loans, credit cards, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance, cash management, payment services, property services, private banking, and safe deposit boxes. The bank serves individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and sector-specific markets such as healthcare, hospitality and leisure, property, charities and not-for-profits, trustee banking, and inward investment. Metro Bank operates over 80 branches across metropolitan areas in the UK and supports digital banking through internet and mobile platforms.
In recent years, Metro Bank has undergone significant strategic changes including a deliberate focus on higher-yielding specialist mortgages and SME commercial lending, which has contributed to a strong turnaround in profitability. It has successfully reduced operating costs by approximately £50 million while optimizing funding costs to achieve the lowest-cost deposit base among UK high street banks. In 2025, Metro Bank reported a pre-tax profit of £45.1 million, more than tripling prior period results, supported by expanded lending to corporate and commercial customers and robust capital and liquidity management. The bank has engaged in strategic partnerships, such as with Liquid Friday for invoice finance, and provided targeted financing including £20 million to hospitality group Chestnut and £50 million refinancing for Darwin Leisure Development Fund. Metro Bank also sold its personal loan portfolio for £584 million in late 2024, generating £11 million in gains. Additionally, it is investing £20 million in digital transformation to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
Metro Bank PLC is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is known as one of the UK's largest challenger banks, emphasizing a relationship-focused and customer-centric banking model. The institution’s vision centers on community banking excellence, with commitments to operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainability. Its key markets are in the UK, with a focus on retail and commercial banking services, supported by over 3,000 employees. The bank's proactive strategic realignment and strong financial performance position it well for continued growth and market presence.