Starling Bank Appoints Raghu Narula as Chief Banking Officer, Strengthening Leadership for Next Growth Phase

​Starling Bank has appointed Raghu Narula as its new Chief Banking Officer (CBO), signaling its commitment to further growth and innovation in the UK’s competitive digital banking sector. Narula, who brings over two decades of experience in retail, wealth, and commercial banking, will join the company in February 2025, pending regulatory approval. His appointment is expected to bolster Starling's efforts to enhance its customer offerings across both retail and business banking segments.

Narula’s primary focus will be on driving growth and spearheading innovation, particularly in the development and launch of new banking products and customer propositions. He will also be responsible for shaping the bank’s go-to-market strategies, aligning them with the rapidly evolving digital banking landscape. His deep expertise in customer engagement and digital transformation will be a key asset as Starling continues to expand its market presence.

Before joining Starling, Narula was the Managing Director of Customer Engagement and Distribution at NatWest Group, where he played a pivotal role in customer service transformation. His previous tenure at HSBC spanned 23 years, during which he held several leadership roles across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned professional in the banking industry.

Raman Bhatia, Starling’s Group CEO, expressed confidence in Narula’s appointment, noting that his extensive background in retail banking, wealth management, and digital transformation makes him an ideal fit to help the bank navigate its next phase of growth. "Raghu’s experience in driving innovation and his understanding of how technology will shape the future of banking will be invaluable to Starling’s leadership team," said Bhatia.

In addition to his role as CBO, Narula will become a member of Starling’s expanding executive committee, a team that has recently seen a series of high-profile hires under Bhatia’s leadership. These include Adeel Hyder, appointed Managing Director of SME Banking, and Michele Rousseau, who joined as Chief Marketing Officer last year.

The news of Narula’s appointment comes on the heels of a strong performance by Starling, which reported its third consecutive year of profitability for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024. The bank saw a notable increase in revenue, reaching £682.2 million, a 50.6% growth compared to the previous year. This growth trajectory aligns with Starling’s strategy to leverage technology and expand its suite of financial services to better serve customers across various segments.

Narula, for his part, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, commenting on LinkedIn that he was excited to join the Starling team and contribute to the bank’s ongoing efforts to challenge and reshape the banking experience for UK consumers. He emphasized his commitment to working with colleagues to make a significant impact on both individual and small business customers.

As Starling continues to grow and scale its business, Narula’s leadership will play a key role in ensuring the bank remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market. With a track record of success in both traditional and digital banking environments, he is poised to lead Starling through its next phase of innovation and expansion.