Between 2012 and 2023, the number of bank branches in the UK experienced a significant decline, falling from 11,355 to approximately 5,100. This reduction was especially pronounced among the UK's largest banks - HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, and NatWest - each of which closed over 1,000 branches between 2017 and 2024.

Over the five years through 2025-26, UK banks' revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 4.8% to £136 billion, including an anticipated hike of 3.6% in 2025-26. After the financial crisis in 2007-08, low interest rates limited banks' interest in loans, hitting income. At the same time, a stricter regulatory environment, including increased capital requirements introduced under the Basel III banking reforms and ring-fencing regulations, constricted lending activity. To protect their profitability, banks like Lloyds have shut the doors of many branches and made substantial job cuts. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the Bank of England adopted aggressive tightening of monetary policy, hiking interest rates to rein in spiralling inflation. The higher base rate environment lifted borrowing costs, driving interest income for banks, which reported skyrocketing profits in 2023-24. Although profit grew markedly, pressure to pass on higher rates to savers and fierce competition weighed on revenue growth at the tail end of the year. However, the prospect of rate cuts in 2024-25 saw many banks lower their savings rates, aiding revenue growth. In 2025-26, although further interest rate cuts are on the horizon, revenue is set to grow, due to lower borrowing costs driving activity in the housing market. Banks have also reduced their exposure to interest rate cuts through structural hedges, which lock in rates when they fluctuate. The FCA’s investigation into motor commissions has been a cause for concern over recent years, with banks like Lloyds and Santander ramping up provisions over 2024-25 in preparation for large payouts, if the Supreme Court deems banks were carrying out illegal activities. Over the five years through 2030-31, industry revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 4% to reach £165.8 billion. Regulatory restrictions, tougher stress tests and stringent lending criteria will also hamper revenue growth. Competition is set to remain fierce – both internally from lenders that deliver their services exclusively via digital channels and externally from alternative finance providers, like peer-to-peer lending platforms. The possibility of legislation like the Edinburgh reforms will drive investment and lending activity in the coming years, if introduced. However, concerns surrounding the repercussions of less stringent capital requirements and the already fragile nature of the UK financial system pose doubt as to whether any significant changes will be made.

The share of female employees in the total workforce of the largest banks in the United Kingdom (UK) was, on average, 52.47 percent in 2023. The most gender-diverse bank among the largest banks in the UK was Nationwide Building Society, where 60.7 percent of the employees were women. It was followed by Virgin Money UK, and The Co-operative Bank. Overall, the gender diversity in the total workforce was higher among the smaller banks. Four out of the five largest banks - HSBC Holdings, Barclays, NatWest Group, and Standard Chartered - did not rank among the five most gender-diverse banks.

The savings rate of households in the United Kingdom (UK) fell slightly in the third quarter of 2024. That came after a period of rising household savings that peaked in the second quarter of 2024, when they amounted to 10.3 percent of their desposable income.

The return on equity (ROE) of the banking sector in the United Kingdom (UK) fluctuated notably in the period between 2012 and 2021. The lowest ROE was measured in 2012 at negative *** percent. During the observed period, the highest ROE was reported in 2021, at roughly ***** percent.

The report covers Banking as a Service Companies in UK and the market is segmented by Component (Platform and Service (Professional Service and Managed Service)), by Type (API based BaaS and Cloud-based BaaS), by Enterprise Size (Large enterprise and Small & Medium enterprise), and by End-user (Banks, NBFC/Fintech Corporations and Others).

The UK retail banking market, valued at approximately £68.77 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by a combination of factors. Technological advancements, particularly in online and mobile banking, are significantly shaping customer preferences and driving market expansion. The increasing adoption of digital banking platforms, offering convenience and accessibility, is a key driver. Furthermore, the growing demand for personalized financial services and wealth management solutions among both individuals and businesses fuels market growth. Competition among established players like HSBC Holdings, Barclays PLC, and Lloyds Banking Group, along with the emergence of fintech companies, is fostering innovation and efficiency. Regulatory changes impacting lending practices and financial security also influence market dynamics. However, economic uncertainties and fluctuating interest rates pose potential challenges. The market is segmented by banking type (traditional, online, personal, business, wealth management), end-user (individuals, small businesses, corporates, high-net-worth individuals), and distribution channel (branches, online platforms, mobile apps). The shift toward digital channels presents opportunities for banks to enhance customer experience and optimize operational costs. While precise regional breakdowns within the UK are not provided, it is reasonable to expect that London and other major urban centers contribute significantly to the market size. Growth across regions will likely mirror national trends, influenced by factors such as regional economic performance, digital infrastructure availability, and the distribution of different customer segments. The projected CAGR of 3.45% indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). This moderate growth reflects the mature nature of the UK retail banking market and the potential for saturation in some segments. Nevertheless, continuous innovation and adaptation to evolving customer needs are expected to sustain the market's growth trajectory. Recent developments include: August 2024: Lloyds Bank launched a USD 137 cash offer for students opening current accounts. To qualify, students must deposit at least USD 622 between August 1 and October 31, 2024. Student account holders will also receive a 20% discount on selected Student Union events and can earn 2% interest on balances up to USD 6,219.September 2023: HSBC pioneered a partnership with Nova Credit, making it the first UK bank to allow newcomers to access their credit history from abroad. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother financial integration for individuals relocating to the United Kingdom.. Key drivers for this market are: The Shift Toward Digital Banking, with Customers Increasingly Using Online and Mobile Banking Services. Potential restraints include: The Shift Toward Digital Banking, with Customers Increasingly Using Online and Mobile Banking Services. Notable trends are: Deposit Trends and Digital Transformation Driving Traditional Banking.

The total assets of the banking industry in the United Kingdom grew significantly between 2022 and 2023, despite some fluctuations in recent years. In 2023, the total assets held at banks amounted to roughly ***** trillion U.S. dollars, which was a slight decrease compared to the previous year. HSBC held the highest value of assets, followed by Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group.

Companies in the Investment Banking industry provide financial advisory services, offering their insight on IPOs, M&As and equity and debt security underwriting activity. Competition has been fierce in recent years, with a flood of boutique firms entering the industry as bankers look for healthier rewards than those offered by the more regulated larger investment banks. Growing M&A and IPO activity before 2022-23 ramped up demand for investment banking services, although this momentum lost speed in 2022-23 as access to cheap capital ended. Revenue is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 8.1% over the five years through 2025-26 to £8 billion, including an expected drop of 0.5% in 2025-26. Profit is also expected to edge downwards in 2025, though it remains high. Capital market activity surged at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, lifting demand for investment banking services as governments and large international businesses across the world raised capital to fund fiscal stimuli and maintain cash flow levels. The boom in debt and equity markets showed no sign of slowing the next year, with IPO and M&A activity reaching record levels in 2021-22, driving demand for investment bankers’ services. However, in the two years through 2023-24, M&A activity plummeted thanks to rising interest rates, mounting geopolitical tensions and a gloomy economic outlook, which put companies off from seeking takeovers. In 2024-25, M&A activity fared better than IPOs, welcoming improvements in consumer confidence amid interest rate cuts, aiding revenue growth. However, IPOs continued on their downward trajectory as geopolitical uncertainty and high interest rates resulted in many companies delaying listings. Over 2025-26, M&A activity is forecast to continue to climb, but IPO activity may stall as Trump's tariff announcements erode investor sentiment, weighing on revenue growth. Revenue is anticipated to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2030-31 to £10 billion. Deal activity is set to build as lower interest rates make leveraged transactions more attractive. Competition will remain fierce, driving technological innovation as investment banks try to improve decision-making processes and scale operations through the use of AI. Still, strong competition from overseas exchanges, like the S&P 500 in the US, will dent UK IPO activity in the coming years as companies move away from UK listings and the lacklustre valuations they offer, weighing on revenue growth.

In size, it was USD 2,107.9 million in 2025 and would reach USD 9,960.9 million in 2035, growing at a high CAGR of 16.8% over that period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 2,107.9 Million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 9,960.9 Million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	16.8%

Sub Region Wise outlook

Sub Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Greater London	17.4%

Sub Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Scotland	16.5%

Sub Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Wales	16.2%

Sub Region	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Yorkshire and the Humber	16.6%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
ClearBank Ltd.	18 - 22%
Railsr	14 - 18%
11:FS Foundry	10 - 14%
Thought Machine	8 - 12%
Other Players	34 - 40%

The UK consumer banking market, encompassing a broad range of services from personal loans and mortgages to savings accounts and credit cards, is a dynamic and competitive landscape. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are absent, a reasonable estimate based on industry reports and similar developed economies suggests a 2025 market value exceeding £500 billion. The market's growth is propelled by several key drivers. Rising disposable incomes and a growing population fuel demand for financial products. Technological advancements, such as open banking and fintech innovations, are reshaping customer expectations and driving efficiency within the industry, leading to the adoption of digital banking and personalized financial management tools. Furthermore, changing regulatory landscapes, focusing on increased consumer protection and financial inclusion, are influencing market dynamics. However, the market faces certain headwinds. Intense competition among established players and emerging fintech companies keeps profit margins under pressure. Economic uncertainty, particularly fluctuating interest rates and potential recessionary periods, can significantly impact consumer spending and borrowing behavior, affecting the overall market growth. Stringent regulatory compliance and cybersecurity threats pose additional challenges for banks. Despite these constraints, the long-term outlook for the UK consumer banking market remains positive, driven by the sustained need for financial services, technological innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. Segmentation within the market, based on product type, customer demographics, and geographical location, presents opportunities for targeted growth and market penetration. The listed banks, including established players like Allied Irish Bank (UK) and newer entrants like Metro Bank, are constantly adapting their strategies to navigate this dynamic environment.

Retail Banking Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global retail banking market size reached USD 2.89 trillion in 2024, reflecting the sectorÂ’s robust expansion as digital transformation and evolving consumer preferences continue to reshape the financial services landscape. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 4.36 trillion by 2033. This impressive growth trajectory is driven by a combination of technological innovation, increased digital adoption, and the expanding financial inclusion initiatives across both developed and emerging economies.

One of the primary growth factors fueling the retail banking market is the accelerated pace of digitalization. Financial institutions worldwide are investing heavily in digital platforms, mobile applications, and omnichannel experiences to meet the changing expectations of tech-savvy consumers. The proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet access has empowered customers to manage their finances remotely, making banking services more accessible and convenient. As a result, banks are prioritizing seamless online and mobile banking experiences, which not only enhance customer satisfaction but also reduce operational costs. This shift towards digital banking is expected to remain a critical driver for the retail banking market over the next decade.

Another significant factor contributing to the marketÂ’s growth is the increasing emphasis on financial inclusion, particularly in emerging markets. Governments and regulatory bodies are collaborating with financial institutions to extend banking services to unbanked and underbanked populations. Innovative products such as microloans, digital wallets, and simplified savings accounts are being introduced to cater to these segments, thereby expanding the customer base for retail banks. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics is enabling banks to offer personalized financial solutions, improve risk assessment, and streamline operations, further propelling market expansion.

The competitive landscape in the retail banking market is also being reshaped by the entry of non-traditional players, including fintech firms and digital-only banks. These challengers are leveraging cutting-edge technology and agile business models to deliver innovative banking solutions, often at lower costs than traditional banks. This heightened competition is compelling established banks to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives and forge strategic partnerships to maintain their market share. Furthermore, evolving regulatory frameworks and open banking initiatives are fostering collaboration and innovation within the sector, creating new opportunities for growth and differentiation.

In the evolving landscape of retail banking, Hyper-Personalization in Banking is becoming a pivotal strategy for financial institutions aiming to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. By leveraging big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, banks can gain deeper insights into individual customer behaviors and preferences. This allows them to tailor products, services, and communication to meet the unique needs of each customer. As consumers increasingly demand personalized experiences akin to those offered by tech giants, banks are investing in technologies that enable real-time data analysis and customer interaction. This shift not only improves customer loyalty but also opens new revenue streams by offering targeted financial solutions that resonate with customers on a personal level.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region continues to dominate the retail banking market, both in terms of market size and growth potential. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning middle class are driving demand for retail banking services across countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. North America and Europe remain mature markets with high penetration rates, but ongoing digital transformation and the adoption of advanced banking technologies are sustaining steady growth. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing increased investments in banking infrastructure and digital platforms, paving the way for future m

Market Size statistics on the Banks industry in the UK

Bank concentration (%) in United Kingdom was reported at 42.91 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Kingdom - Bank concentration - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Banks from United Kingdom - Consolidated total liabilities in All currencies with residents of All countries (total) (immediate counterparty basis), all sectors (amounts outstanding / stocks, loans and deposits, total (all maturities) )

Bank net interest margin (%) in United Kingdom was reported at 1.8373 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Kingdom - Bank net interest margin - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Domestic credit provided by financial sector (% of GDP) in United Kingdom was reported at 162 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Kingdom - Domestic credit provided by banking sector (% of GDP) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Traditional banks in the United Kingdom (UK) had a much higher interest income than digital banks in 2024. According to Statista Financial Market Insights, the net interest income of the traditional banking industry in the UK amounted to roughly ****** billion U.S. dollars. In contrast, digital banks had a net interest income of ****** billion U.S. dollars. However, according to Statista, the net interest income of traditional banks will decrease in the following years, while digital banks' will increase.

United Kingdom UK: Banking Institutions: Foreign Assets data was reported at 3,692,394.000 GBP mn in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,715,082.000 GBP mn for Jun 2018. United Kingdom UK: Banking Institutions: Foreign Assets data is updated quarterly, averaging 547,933.000 GBP mn from Mar 1963 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 223 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,905,217.000 GBP mn in Dec 2008 and a record low of 1,693.000 GBP mn in Mar 1963. United Kingdom UK: Banking Institutions: Foreign Assets data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.IMF.IFS: Financial System: Deposit Money Banks: Quarterly.