Masthaven Bank: Most Innovative Digital Retail Bank UK 2019

Masthaven Bank steers clear of a one-size-fits-all approach to embrace the diversity of the financial ecosystem, from customers to colleagues. The online bank prefers an organic approach to growth, with a mission to deliver what each client needs. Masthaven’s strategy of superior customer service and tailored solutions has proven successful, and its customer base more than doubled from 2017 to 2018. Customer satisfaction at Masthaven is high, with praise for its effective blend of “old and new, innovative and traditional”. Opening a personal or business savings account at Masthaven is a simple and straightforward process with convenient online tools to compare rates and customise terms. The bank has developed an innovative approach to financing, moving beyond tick-box underwriting to consider each lending request on its own merits to provide a more personal service. It offers flexible mortgage options, including first- and second-charge mortgages for residential and buy-to-let properties. Masthaven is proud to be a different kind of bank, providing financing solutions for even those developers and homeowners blocked from traditional lending avenues. Masthaven offers access to property development loans as well as short-term bridging finance. An influx of funding — a £60 million equity investment by Värde Partners — has enabled Masthaven to increase its customer base and fuel innovative advances. The London-based bank has hired fresh talent to attend to the needs of its growing client list, necessitating a move to new offices in Covent Garden. The CFI.co judging panel declares Masthaven Bank as the 2019 winner of the award for Most Innovative Digital Retail Bank (UK) — its second consecutive win for the category.