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  • 21/08/2024 | Corporate News

    Omni Capital Retail Finance partners with furniture retailer Stokers to provide consumer credit to customers

    Omni Capital Retail Finance, part of Castle Trust Bank, has continued its recent expansion by partnering with national furniture retailer Stokers.

    Omni Capital Retail Finance, part of Castle Trust Bank, has continued its recent expansion by partnering with national furniture retailer Stokers as the sole credit provider to their customers. Omni will provide interest-free credit facilities in-store and online across their 10 stores, which includes the Stokers Fine Furniture, Christopher Pratts, and Russell Dean brands.

    Andy Paver, Commercial Director at Omni Capital Retail Finance, said:

    “I’m delighted that we’ve partnered with Stokers, one of the UK’s leading high-end furniture retailers, and look forward to being able to help their customers purchase quality furniture for their homes in an affordable way, using our market-leading credit services. Stokers’ customer-first approach aligns closely with our own values, so I’m certain that our partnership will be a success for Omni, Stokers, and their customers alike. It’s another example of how Omni can serve the customer finance needs of retailers across a broad range of retail sectors.”

    Jonathan Stoker, Managing Director at Stokers, added:

    “We were very impressed with the interest-free credit option that was available from Omni Capital Retail Finance, together with the quality of their team, service and systems. We are delighted to have them on board as our credit provider, and are confident that the products and service they offer will make the purchase of furniture across our range of stores an even better experience for our customers.”

    Read more
  • 18/03/2024 | Corporate News

    Our latest financial statements - September 2023

    Castle Trust has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2023.
    Castle Trust Bank has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2023. The full detail of the statement can be found in the FY 30 Sept 2023 CTB Financial Statements and you can download a copy of the following summary of Castle Trust Bank's Financial Strength here.

    2023 saw the Bank of England continue to increase interest rates up to 5.25%, to help drive down inflation from its October 2022 high of 11.1%. Despite these economic challenges, it is encouraging that Castle Trust Bank once again delivered an increase in annual profit.

    The Group is strongly capitalised with total equity of £113.5 million, total assets of £953.9 million and liquid assets of £150.2 million. In the financial year to September 2023, Castle Trust Bank made a profit before tax of £11.4 million.

    Castle Trust Bank continues to enhance its ability to offer a greater range of services to both our savers and our borrowers. We are an award-winning provider of savings, mortgage and consumer lending products, employing over 200 people across our offices in Basingstoke and London. Our principal shareholder is the leading private equity firm J.C. Flowers & Co., which currently manages circa $4 billion in assets.

    Savings
    As at 30 September 2023, our c22,000 customers held just under £827 million of fixed term, fixed rate savings with us.

    Lending
    As at 30 September 2023, Castle Trust Bank’s total property finance loan book stood at £549 million. A shift of focus towards Bridging to enable property purchases, and light and heavy refurbishments during the year, together with continued Term lending for the Buy to Let market, proved to be very successful.

    Retail Finance
    Working with over 2,200 partner retailers and 164,000 customers, as at 30 September 2023 the retail finance loan book for Omni Capital Retail Finance (‘Omni’) stood at over £226m.
    Read more
  • 31/03/2023 | Corporate News

    Ken Stannard has replaced Richard Pym as Chair of Castle Trust Bank

    Richard Pym, Chair of Castle Trust Bank, retired on 1st April, and has been replaced by Ken Stannard who has been an Independent Non-Executive Director on our Board since July 2022.

    Richard Pym, Chair of Castle Trust Bank, retired on 1st April, and has been replaced by Ken Stannard who has been an Independent Non-Executive Director on our Board since July 2022.

    Martin Bischoff, CEO said "I’d like to offer a particular thank you to our outgoing Chair Richard Pym for his support and guidance over the past three years. He has played a pivotal role in our growth, particularly during our conversion to a bank in 2020, and leaves us in a strong position for the future. I’m delighted that Ken Stannard will be our new Chair; his vast experience, and extensive record of success makes him the natural choice and will help ensure we deliver our ambitious growth plans." 

    Richard Pym said:
    “When I joined Castle Trust Bank in March 2020 it was about to gain a new banking licence and over the last three years it has successfully grown into a mature and profitable bank. So after three years chairing the board I am now retiring, and with more wrinkles and less hair it is time to hand over to Ken Stannard, a very experienced banker, to continue the journey. I wish Ken, Martin and all the team at Castle Trust every success in the future.”

    Ken Stannard added:
    “I am excited to become the new Chair of Castle Trust Bank. We have a track record for risk management, delivery and innovation. Our owners are very experienced and hugely supportive, and our plans are ambitious. I am proud to be part of a bank that has such talented colleagues, and which puts the customer right at the heart of everything it does.

    “I’d like to pay tribute, and say thank you, to Richard as our outgoing Chair. He has overseen tremendous progress over the past three years, and leaves us with a strong platform on which to deliver our ambitious plans for the future.”

    Read more
  • 29/03/2023 | Corporate News

    Our latest financial statements - September 2022

    Castle Trust has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2022.
    Castle Trust Bank has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2022. The full detail of the statement can be found in the FY 30 Sept 2022 CTB Financial Statements and you can download a copy of the following summary of Castle Trust Bank's Financial Strength here.

    Hot on the heels of Brexit and the pandemic, 2022 saw further economic turmoil caused by the conflict in Ukraine, with both interest rates and inflation rising significantly during the year. Despite these challenges, it is encouraging that Castle Trust Bank once again delivered an increase in annual profit.

    The Group is strongly capitalised with total equity of £104 million, total assets of £846 million and liquid assets of £151 million. In the financial year to September 2022, Castle Trust Bank made a profit before tax of £10.1 million.

    Castle Trust Bank continues to enhance its ability to offer a greater range of services to both our savers and our borrowers. We are an award-winning provider of savings, mortgage and consumer lending products, employing over 200 people across our offices in Basingstoke and London. Our principal shareholder is the leading private equity firm J.C. Flowers & Co., which currently manages circa $5 billion in assets.

    Savings
    As at 30 September 2022, our c19,000 customers held just under £725 million of fixed term, fixed rate savings with us.

    Lending
    As at 30 September 2022, Castle Trust Bank’s total property finance loan book stood at £458 million. A shift of focus towards Bridging to enable property purchases, and light and heavy refurbishments during the year, together with continued Term lending for the Buy to Let market, proved to be very successful.

    Retail Finance
    Working with over 2,200 partner retailers and 160,000 customers, as at 30 September 2022 the retail finance loan book for Omni Capital Retail Finance (‘Omni’) stood at over £210m.
    Read more
  • 04/04/2022 | Corporate News

    Our latest financial statements - September 2021

    Castle Trust has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2021.

    Castle Trust Bank has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2021. The full detail of the statement can be found in the FY 30 Sept 2021 CTB Financial Statements and you can download a copy of the following summary of Castle Trust Bank's Financial Strength here.

    The UK is still reshaping its economy following its withdrawal from the European Union and dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. Against this background of uncertainty, it is encouraging that Castle Trust Bank has delivered another increase in annual profit.

    The Group is strongly capitalised with total equity of £95.2 million, total assets of £666.5 million and liquid assets of £76.9 million. In the financial year to September 2021, Castle Trust Bank made a profit before tax of £3.6 million.

    Castle Trust Bank continues to enhance its ability to offer a greater range of services to both our savers and our borrowers. We are an award-winning provider of savings, mortgage and consumer lending products, employing over 200 people across our offices in Basingstoke and London. Our principal shareholder is the leading private equity firm J.C. Flowers & Co., which currently manages circa $5 billion in assets.

    Savings
    As at 30 September 2021, our c20,000 customers held just under £560 million of fixed term, fixed rate savings with us.

    Lending
    As at 30 September 2021, Castle Trust Bank’s total property finance loan book stood at over £398 million. The availability of the TermTen product which combines fixed rates and refinance options, and the Bridge to Let option which combines a bridging loan and TermTen into a single arrangement continue to prove very successful within the market.

    Retail Finance
    Working with over 2,200 partner retailers and 160,000 customers, as at 30 September 2021 the retail finance loan book for Omni Capital Retail Finance (‘Omni’) stood at over £165m.
    Read more
  • 08/03/2022 | Corporate News

    Where women work makes all the difference

    International Women's Day (IWD) provides a key moment to celebrate women's achievements in the workplace and showcase some of our amazing women.

    International Women's Day (IWD) provides a key moment to celebrate women's achievements in the workplace and showcase some of our amazing women.

    While International Women's Day activity is celebrated today, it’s important for all of us to maintain a deep and continuous focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion all year round. Plus, celebrating the work and achievements of women inspires further women to achieve their full potential.

                                                              WIF


    At Castle Trust Bank, we have been committed to our female inclusivity goals via our membership of the Women in Finance Charter, since 2018. 

    By signing the Charter, we commit to doing the following:

    • Have one member of the senior executive team who is responsible and accountable for gender diversity and inclusion. This is our Chief Finance Officer, Paul Lloyd-Jones. 

    • Set internal targets for gender diversity in senior management. Our goal is to achieve a 50/50 split of men and women in our senior roles across CTB.   

    • Publish our progress annually against these targets in reports on our website

    • Ensure any variable pay for the senior executive team is linked to delivery against our gender diversity targets (in place for each of our ExCo). 

    Our amazing women in finance here at Castle Trust Bank 

    All our women (and men of course!) at Castle Trust Bank are amazing. Here’s just a few of our amazing women’s stories...

    Meet Ashani, Head of Corporate Development and Investor Relations: 

     

    “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a senior role and that finance was the area I wanted to work in.  My mother was a Finance Director on the Board; I would read her standard books and enjoyed learning more about accounts.  I was drawn to the commercial side, working on strategy and analytical data.  As I was keen to broaden my work experience, I took the step to move from Sri Lanka to the UK to join a manufacturing company as a Finance project manager. I quickly progressed there and after 2 years with them I moved into my first financial services role and worked in a Credit Card Company. This role provided me the background for working on planning, acquisitions and management reporting. After 6 years in this role, I moved into Banking and became Head of Business Intelligence working on MI / Strategy / Regulatory documents and working with the shareholders.     

    Whilst on holiday in 2018 in Sri Lanka, I received a call about an opportunity at Castle Trust and was excited to hear about their desire to get its’ banking licence – I wanted to work there! I was invited back for a final interview; by 9am the following day I was offered the role. Since then, I have found my time at Castle Trust incredibly fulfilling. I love knowing I am helping to shape the future of Castle Trust in the work that I do. 

    I am now 12 years married with a 1-year-old son and have learnt to manage my work life balance successfully.  Castle Trust supported me with my return to work following maternity leave and being a mum has not changed my opportunities. In fact, I knew I was coming back in my current role as Head of Corporate development & Investor relations – a role that I always wanted to do.  I have also learnt to switch off at weekends and focus on my family as well as getting my work completed.  I am a true believer in if you want something at work in terms of career or just want to know something, ask!  Never be afraid to pushback and set expectations. Always have confidence in your approach. As a woman in finance and a working mum I take on any challenge as an opportunity with my motto, to have “self-belief and make your own opportunities” 

    Meet Lauren, Senior Business Development Manager, Omni 

     

    “When I saw the Account Manager role advertised within the Omni team, I knew that Castle Trust was the next stepping-stone for me, to provide me with the right kind of career progression as well as develop my skills and capabilities, and I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t wrong.

    Even within my Account Management role, I had the opportunity to prospect new retailers and I started leaning more towards a Business Development role. 6 months later I was offered the opportunity to formally progress in business development. The move to a Business Development Manager was a great career choice for me and throughout my tenure at Castle Trust, I have learnt from my peers around me which has contributed to my progression within the Omni team. Castle Trust have recognised me for my growth, knowledge, and hard work through my recent promotion of Senior Business Development Manager.

    Castle Trust is already setting me up for my next career move as they have supported me with my City & Guilds Diploma in Leadership & Behavioural Change.  I am a true believer that if you work hard, you will be rewarded.  As I work in a very male orientated environment, I am very supportive of seeing more women in finance across the industry, particularly in the Senior management roles”

    Meet Jo, Savings Operations Manager, Savings 

     

    “Prior to joining Castle Trust, I was on extended maternity leave after I was made redundant from my role as a manager. Even though I already had 13 years of financial services experience, I had lost the confidence to take on another managerial role, so joined Castle Trust as an Administrator. I was also nervous about working whilst having children and what sacrifices I would need to make.  I needn’t have worried as within months of joining Castle Trust, I was promoted to manage the Savings Team, which I love. In this role, my manager involves me in decision making and business plans. I was also provided with the opportunity to study for my City & Guilds Diploma in Leadership & Behavioural Change.

    I do believe there remains a stigma for working mothers in our society and sometimes it does make me feel like I must work extra hard to prove myself and that means I can put pressure on myself and set high expectations. Having said that, I know Castle Trust has the confidence in me and supports me to progress. Whilst I do believe women in senior positions is increasing, there is still more to be done to support this with more flexibility.”

    International Women’s Day 2022 #BreakTheBias 

    Read more
  • 10/02/2022 | Corporate News

    National Apprenticeship Week is 7th – 13th February 2022

    Meet Amelia and Hubert, two of our most recent Apprentices within our Technology team in Basingstoke.

    It’s National Apprenticeship Week across the UK, celebrating all things apprenticeships and building and developing talent for the future. Castle Trust Bank hired two Apprentices last year, in addition to supporting a number of existing colleagues through the attendance of training courses. This helps develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, enabling businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

    Amelia and Hubert joined us at the end of last year in our Technology team in Basingstoke, and have been fully embedded into Castle Trust Bank.  You can read more on their individual stories below. We also have some other existing colleagues in Finance and Technology completing various qualifications including AAT and Leadership. 

    We are currently looking to provide more opportunities for our existing colleagues across the bank in addition to hiring further external talent via the apprenticeship scheme. 

    “My time at Castle Trust Bank is different from college and for me it is a better experience than going to university as you get the work experience as well as studying.

    I chose to be a Business Analyst Apprentice because I am interested in the business aspect and after completing my GCSEs and attending college, I wanted to go down the BA route.

    I wanted to join CTB as they had good external reviews and it looked a great place to work. I previously worked in a care home whilst at college so have never been in an office environment before. It looked like a challenge, and it has been amazing since joining.

    The support from my manager has given me right amount of work but not overloaded me showing how the system Polaris works but also leaving me to learn and complete my own tasks. Another colleague  is helping me out and giving guidance when needed as well as another member of the team  on the Property side of my role.  I feel so welcomed and I am learning so many new things. I have settled in really quickly.

    After my course is completed, I want to progress through Technology and carry on being a BA and hopefully become a senior in my role and continue to being challenged.”
    Amelia – Business Analyst
    Joined September 2021

    “I chose IT Support as I have always been passionate about IT since I was young and then going to college, they didn’t offer an IT course, so I studied Business Marketing. My IT Apprenticeship course is aimed at IT in general with desktop support as one of the subjects as well as Networking and Azure Cloud.

    The first interview I had Castle Trust Bank felt welcoming and easy to talk to the team. The team have been great, and the support given has helped me in my role. I have picked things up on the job and although the team is busy it helped me to be thrown in at the deep end. My colleagues  have been a great help day-to-day. My Team Leader has sat down with me around my development and looking at what I need to work on as well as how I want my role to develop.

    The external apprenticeship coach helps keep me on track and guides me through any challenges as well as looking at health and safety, DSEs and mental health supporting me with working in an office as it’s not something I have done before.

    My end goal is to continue with my role and progress and grow with the company. I have already set-up a training session with the Security Team as this is a field of IT I am really keen on and they are willing to guide me with this next step.

    I would definitely say to a new Apprentice look out for opportunities at CTB as the knowledge the company has is great as well as being a great place to work.  My friends have said they are jealous that I am working at CTB and all want to join!”
    Hubert – Desktop Support Analyst
    Joined September 2021

    Read more
  • 27/10/2021 | Corporate News

    We support the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter

    We already have a number of initiatives at Castle Trust Bank that support the mental health and wellbeing of our staff, and we're delighted to have signed up to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.

    We're proud to have become a signatory to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC). Not only does the charter demonstrate the importance the mortgage industry places on the health and wellbeing of its staff, it makes a public commitment towards meeting minimum levels of support.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, mental health awareness has risen dramatically since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and Castle Trust Bank fully supports any initiatives that raise awareness and provide support. We've already introduced a number of initiatives within the Bank, which have enabled us to meet the key commitments required of signatories to the charter which are:

    1. Develop mental health awareness among employees using
      activities and advocacy.
    2. Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available to employees who may be struggling.
    3. Provide employees with good working conditions that encourage a healthy work life balance and opportunities for development.
    4. Promote effective people management through line managers and ensure there is a focus on physical and mental wellbeing as well as performance.
    5. Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing through surveys and regular contact with managers.
    6. Have a named contact for Mental Health Support.

    More information can be found out about the charter on the MIMHC website.

    Read more
  • 18/05/2021 | Corporate News

    Our latest financial statements - September 2020

    Castle Trust has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2020.

    Castle Trust has published its latest financial statement, as at 30 September 2020. The full detail of the statement can be found in the FY 30 Sept 2020 CTH Financial Statements and you can download a copy of the following summary of Castle Trust Bank's Financial Strength.

    The financial year ending September 2020 was a pivotal year for Castle Trust as we achieved our ambition to become a bank. Converting all our investment accounts into savings accounts was a key step on this journey, with an overwhelming majority of these customers voting in favour of the proposals. The PRA and FCA granted our full banking licence on 15 June 2020.

    The Group is strongly capitalised with total equity of £79.2 million, total assets of £742.1 million and liquid assets of £153.8million . In the financial year to September 2020, Castle Trust Bank made a profit before tax of £0.8m. Castle Trust Bank now has an even stronger platform to offer a greater range of services to both our savers and our borrowers. We are a provider of savings, mortgage and consumer lending products, employing over 200 people across our offices in Basingstoke and London. Our principal shareholder is the leading private equity firm J.C. Flowers & Co., which currently manages circa $6 billion in assets.

    Savings
    As at 30 September 2020, our c20,000 customers held just under £650 million of fixed term, fixed rate savings with us. Existing customers have been able to save into new accounts since November 2020.

    Lending
    As at 30 September 2020, Castle Trust Bank’s total property finance loan book stood at over £450 million. The introduction of the TermTen product which combines fixed rates and refinance options, and the Bridge to Let option which combines a bridging loan and TermTen into a single arrangement have proved very successful within the market.

    Retail Finance
    Working with over 1,500 retailers and 160,000 customers, as at 30 September 2020 the retail finance loan book for Omni Capital Retail Finance (‘Omni’) stood at over £115m.

     

    Read more
  • 25/01/2021 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust Bank recruits new CTOO

    Castle Trust Bank has recruited Nick Bennett as its new Chief Technology & Operations Officer (CTOO).

    Castle Trust Bank has recruited Nick Bennett as its new Chief Technology & Operations Officer (CTOO).

    Nick has more than 15 years’ experience in technology and banking, having worked at Tandem Bank for the last three years and Santander for 11 years previous to that. He has led strategic organisational and transformational programmes and has a wide range of knowledge and experience in leading technology, change and operations in the financial banking sector.

    He will join Castle Trust Bank on 29 March to lead the bank’s strategy and continuing investment and focus on technology, digitalisation and change. In the last year, Castle Trust Bank has supported its specialist Buy to Let and Bridging proposition with enhanced broker portal features, including full online case management, secure message and automatic certification of uploaded documents. Nick will lead the delivery of new developments to the bank’s property lending platform, savings offering and point of sale business, Omni Capital Retail Finance.

    Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer at Castle Trust Bank, said: “At Castle Trust Bank, we have already launched a market leading savings app enabling savers to manage their money through the latest face and fingerprint recognition technology and Nick will play a key role in continuing the digital transformation of our business. This will include further developing our savings technology, delivering new point of sale finance products to our network of over 1500 retailers, and building on the success of our Bridge to Let proposition to increase our lending through our growing network of intermediaries.”

    Nick Bennett added: “I’m delighted to be joining Castle Trust Bank at such an exciting time for the business, following the receipt of its banking licence. I can’t wait to start working with the team to build on the amazing work they’ve already done and deliver on the next stage of Castle Trust Bank’s digital transformation.”

    Read more
  • 19/06/2020 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust rebrands as Castle Trust Bank

    Following the receipt of a full banking licence and the successful conversion of all of its existing investments into savings accounts, Castle Trust is pleased to launch its new brand identity.

    Following the receipt of a full banking licence and the successful conversion of all of its existing investments into savings accounts, Castle Trust is pleased to launch its new brand identity.

    The firm will now operate as ‘Castle Trust Bank’, with a new logo and revamped website to showcase the new offering.

    The company will initially offer savings products to existing customers reinvesting maturing funds and expects to launch new savings products for new customers in late July.  The existing specialist property lending and Omni Capital Retail Finance arms will continue to offer the same services, with enhanced offerings to come later this year. The business expects to grow its specialist lending arm significantly as the market emerges from Covid19, working with brokers to respond to borrower needs and reaching more brokers through clubs and networks.  There are also plans to expand the Omni Capital Retail Finance offering later in the year.

    Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer said: “This was a natural next step for us.  Castle Trust has come a long way since the company was founded, growing to serve 200,000 borrowers and savers so we already benefit from a loyal customer base, who have indicated that they would like to do more business with us as we enhance our product range.  As we step into the banking world, it seemed fitting that our brand would evolve to reflect that change too. Becoming ‘Castle Trust Bank’ sets out our stall as a fixture within the banking industry and gives us a platform from which to launch our new propositions.“

    Read more
  • 15/06/2020 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust granted full banking licence

    Following a period of authorisation with restrictions, Castle Trust Capital plc (Castle Trust) has been granted full authorisation as a bank by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    Following a period of authorisation with restrictions, Castle Trust Capital plc (Castle Trust) has been granted full authorisation as a bank by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    After being authorised with restrictions in March 2020, Castle Trust undertook extensive testing of its new savings system and asked its customers to vote on proposals to convert their existing investments into bank deposits. Castle Trust’s customers voted in favour with an overwhelming majority and the conversion will take place later this month.

    Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer said: “Being granted a full banking licence signals the start of the next phase of Castle Trust’s growth.  Our first priority is to convert our 30,000 existing investment accounts into savings accounts, after which we look forward to launching our exciting new range of savings products in late July.

    “The full banking licence opens up many new opportunities for the business, which we expect to benefit our specialist property finance and retail finance offerings. We already have 200,000 customers and look forward to helping even more in the future. 

    “We’ll be revealing details of our enhanced specialist property lending proposition shortly, which will build upon our existing offering to meet the needs of Buy to Let landlords and High Net Worth Individuals.  Our new status enables us to work with a wider range of property brokers. 

    “The banking licence also offers great potential for growth within Omni Capital Retail Finance, which will help more retailers and small & medium sized businesses to provide their products and services to more consumers.”

    Tim Hanford, Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co., Castle Trust’s majority shareholder said “Castle Trust’s achievement of a full banking licence is the culmination of a great deal of work over an extended period of time. The licence is the endorsement of the quality of this business at many levels. We have a terrific board and an exceptional team of people who deliver innovative products to our customers supported by a technologically advanced infrastructure with robust processes and controls. We look forward to continuing to be part of Castle Trust’s development and success, and remain excited by the opportunities for a nimble competitor in the UK banking market.”


    Following full authorisation on Monday 15 June 2020, all existing investments were converted into savings accounts at 7am on Monday 22 June 2020. This is known as the 'Effective Time'. as required under the scheme documents, this is a notification to all scheme creditors that the Effective Time has now occurred. All customers will receive a letter by the end of June confirming their investments have been converted.

     

    Read more
  • 21/03/2020 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust receives banking licence and appoints new Chair

    Following its application for a banking licence at the end of 2019, Castle Trust Capital plc (Castle Trust) was advised on 20 March 2020 that its application for a banking licence has been successful and has been approved by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    Following its application for a banking licence at the end of 2019, Castle Trust Capital plc (Castle Trust) was advised on 20 March 2020 that its application for a banking licence has been successful and has been approved by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    Castle Trust is now authorised with restrictions as a bank and enters into a mobilisation period.  During this period it will be required to undertake a number of actions (including the ‘Friends and Family’ testing of its new savings system) which have been agreed with the PRA and the FCA and are aimed at protecting both Castle Trust and its customers. Castle Trust is well advanced with the process and is aiming to apply for the restrictions on its deposit taking to be lifted in time for it to start to take deposits from the public later this Summer. Castle Trust has also now commenced three Schemes of Arrangement pursuant to which it intends to convert its existing Fortress Bond and Housa customers into deposit holders following the lifting of its restrictions.

    Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer said: “The granting of authorisation with restrictions marks an important moment in Castle Trust’s story.   

    “Our customers are at the heart of our drive to become a bank.  We already have 200,000 customers and by making the transition, we expect to be able to extend an enhanced offering to both them and future customers for whom we’ll be the bank of choice.”

    Tim Hanford, Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. Europe, Castle Trust’s majority shareholder said “We have seen Castle Trust develop from its inception in 2012, building its customer base and product propositions to the point where a banking licence became the obvious next step.  The company’s strong performance and robust management have been demonstrated throughout, establishing a strong foundation for continuing its success as Castle Trust Bank.”

     

    The company also announced the appointment of Richard Pym CBE as Chair.  Richard is an experienced financial services Chair, whose most recent role was with AIB Group plc, where he chaired the company through the initial public offering in 2017 and led the board through the recovery from financial crisis.

    Richard said: “I’m delighted to join Castle Trust.  The company is growing at pace and the granting of authorisation with restrictions heralds the start of great opportunities for the business to flourish.”

    Speaking of Richard’s appointment, Martin Bischoff said: “Opportunities to recruit someone of Richard’s calibre are rare.  His extensive experience as Chair of some of our most recognised financial institutions makes him the ideal person to lead Castle Trust into the banking world and we are thrilled that he has agreed to join us.”

    Tim Hanford praised Richard’s appointment: “At J.C. Flowers & Co. we have known Richard for many years and have always admired his leadership. I am confident that Richard is an excellent complement to the Castle Trust management team and I look forward to working with Richard to deliver the business’ plan and continuing its success as a bank.”

    Read more
  • 21/03/2020 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust makes key new appointments

    Castle Trust has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors.

    To support the next stage of its development as it becomes a bank, Castle Trust Capital plc (Castle Trust) has appointed two new independent Non-Executive Directors, one of whom will take up the role of Audit Committee Chair.

    The new Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee has been confirmed as Eric Anstee FCA.  Eric has extensive experience across the financial services industry and has chaired Audit Committees for the likes of OneSavings Bank plc, Sun Life Financial of Canada Limited and Paypoint plc.

    Eric said “Castle Trust’s credentials are very strong with a proven track record.  I look forward to being part of the business as it goes through such a significant period of development.”

    Richard Pym, Castle Trust’s Chair added: “Eric brings a wealth of Audit Committee experience to the role and was a natural choice.  We’re confident that the Committee is in safe hands with Eric as Chair.”

    The firm has also appointed Melba Montague as Non-Executive Director. Melba, the European Banking and Financial Markets leader at IBM Global Business Services, brings a wealth of financial technological experience to help drive Castle Trust’s change agenda.

    Speaking of her new role, Melba said: “The company has big plans and being part of the team taking Castle Trust through the launch process and into the next phase of its development is particularly exciting.”

    Richard Pym also welcomed the appointment: “As a recognised leader in the world of IT, Melba brings a unique set of skills to the Castle Trust board.  Her expertise within the technology field will support our drive to optimise our customer journeys.” 

    Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer said of the appointments: “This is a pivotal moment in Castle Trust’s story and making such prestigious appointments really sets the direction of travel into the banking world. 

    “This is an exciting time for the business and with such solid support, I look forward to seeing Castle Trust become a leading force within the banking community.”

    Tim Hanford, Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. Europe, Castle Trust’s majority shareholder said “We are pleased to welcome these new directors to the Castle Trust board.  With the support of such high calibre members and their respective skills and experience, we are confident that Castle Trust will continue to develop as a successful specialist bank providing an array of sophisticated financial products to its customers.”

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  • 04/09/2019 | Corporate News

    Castle Trust invited to apply for a banking licence

    Castle Trust has been working closely with the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority on our banking licence application, which we submitted in early September 2019.

    September 2019

    In April 2018 we announced our intention to become a bank. Since then, we have been working closely with both UK regulators, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, on our banking licence application. We were recently invited to submit our application, which we did this week.

    This is a natural next step in Castle Trust’s journey that started when we were founded in 2012 with a simple mission: to help both investors and borrowers achieve their financial goals. Becoming a bank is an exciting milestone but it won’t change our focus on doing what’s right for our customers. In fact, it means we’ll be able to offer a broader range of products in the future.

    This stage of the rigorous application process is expected to take until spring next year. There is nothing existing customers need to do now and we’ll keep customers updated on a regular basis.

    Speaking about the application, Martin Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer said:

    “Being invited to apply for a banking licence by the UK regulators is testament to the strength of the careful planning and preparations we have put in place. Castle Trust has always been proud of being different, and now we’re in the process of becoming a different kind of bank. We’re very excited about the opportunities that come with a banking licence to better help our customers achieve their financial goals.”

    You can find more information about our banking application on our Q&A page.

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Mortgages
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Savings
Your eligible deposits with Castle Trust Bank are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme. Any deposits you hold above the limit are unlikely to be covered. For further information about the compensation provided by the FSCS, refer to the FSCS website at fscs.org.uk.

Castle Trust Bank means Castle Trust Capital plc, a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 07454474 and registered office at 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD. Castle Trust Capital plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, under reference number 541910.

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