Metro Bank and Atom Bank founder, Anthony Thomson, has announced plans to launch a new global bank for family offices and ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI).

Operating under the name Family Offices Bank, the international bank will be designed for and owned by family offices and UHNWIs, with its clients also being shareholders.

Thomson said he planned to launch the new venture in 2026, and is seeking to raise £500m over five years, starting with an initial £100m funding round.

“Over the past 18 months, I’ve spoken with family offices around the world,” Thomson stated. “The message was loud and clear: their needs have evolved but their banks haven’t.

“Too many family offices and UHNWIs are oversold, underserved, misunderstood, or treated like an afterthought. So we’re building something different.”

Family Offices Bank’s executive team will include former Virgin Money and TSB CEO, Paul Pester, former Commonwealth Bank of Australia CFO, Stuart Grimshaw, and former Barclays head of lending, Samantha Bamert.

It is aiming to provide a seamless, secure, and highly bespoke service through AI technology, discretion, global infrastructure, and a focus on service.

Although the location for the bank’s headquarters is yet to be chosen, Thomson is in discussions with the authorities of Jersey, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates as it seeks regulatory approval and to decide on which jurisdiction to operate from.

Thomson continued: “After founding and chairing Metro Bank and Atom Bank in the UK and 86 400 in Australia, I said I wouldn’t do another bank. But this idea wouldn’t let go.

“We’re raising capital now and planning to launch in 2026. Early interest has been extraordinary.”

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