Starling Names Ex-HSBC CEO Colin Bell as Bank's Chair

Starling Group has confirmed that Colin Bell will assume the role of Chair of the Boards of Starling Group Holdings Limited and Starling Bank Limited from 1 July 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Taking on the position at a pivotal moment for the business, Colin will help steer the digital bank as it transitions into a phase of sustained profitability.

The company is increasingly focused on delivering consistent returns while growing its balance sheet through an expanded lending portfolio.

Who is Starling Group's new Chair of the Boards, Colin Bell?

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

He has since chaired the Board Risk Committees for both Starling Bank Limited and Starling Group Holdings Limited.

Following an announcement made in March, he will take over from David Sproul as Chair of both Boards.

David steps down after five years in the role, having overseen a period of notable transformation and growth for the organisation.

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 experience in risk management – including oversight of complex global regulatory environments – aligns closely with Starling’s need for strong governance as it scales its asset base.

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 experience as the former CEO of HSBC Bank PLC and HSBC Europe, Colin brings extensive expertise in leading large-scale transformation programmes and driving commercial performance.

His strength in risk and compliance is underscored by earlier roles as Head of Compliance and Operational Risk Control at UBS and Group Chief Compliance Officer at HSBC.

Before entering the banking sector, Colin spent 16 years in the British Army, holding a range of command and staff positions.

For Starling, this breadth of experience is particularly valuable.

The group requires steady leadership to navigate shifting macroeconomic conditions, interest rate volatility and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

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 leadership change forms part of a structured succession plan aimed at preserving investor confidence and ensuring continuity at the executive level.

At a time when digital banks are under growing pressure to demonstrate the sustainability of their business models, robust board governance remains a key pillar for securing institutional support.