Durham’s Atom Bank named as a world Top 10 financial innovator

Trailblazing challenger bank Atom has been named as one of the world’s most innovative companies in financial technology for a fourth year in a row.

The Durham bank made it into number nine in the Fintech 100 rankings, compiled by H2 Ventures and KPMG, and is the highest rated business in the UK.

The rankings highlights innovative companies creating products and services at the juncture of technology and financial services which are seeking to disrupt the existing processes and products that dominate the marketplace.

Atom, the UK’s first bank built exclusively for smartphone and tablet, has slipped a place from eighth last year, but it remains the sole UK firm to make it into the top 10 in a list dominated by US and Chinese companies.

Compiled by Fintech Innovators, the list covers the 50 leading established financial technology businesses from across the globe as well as 50 emerging stars.

The UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa has 18 firms in the top 100 spots, while China represents five of the top 10 fintech companies in 2018.

Mark Mullen, CEO of Atom bank said: “To be recognised as one of the world’s innovative companies is a huge honour and we’re especially thrilled to be listed in the top 10 yet again.

“Our entire business model is based on offering our customers great value, together with faster and more innovative solutions, so the fact we have received this recognition is a testament to the Atom family’s success and talent.

“Atom has had an incredible journey since we first started out four years ago and we’re excited to continue our journey and fulfil our ambition.”

The firm has now made the coveted list every year since it was founded in 2014.

Every firm to make the list is deemed to be using technology to the best advantage, driving disruption within the financial services industry, as well as enabling incumbent financial institutions to capitalise on new technology.

The business has been singled out for shaking up the banking industry as the UK’s first bank designed specifically for digital, offering personal and business banking products including Digital Mortgages by Atom, four Fixed Saver accounts and secured Business Lending to SMEs.

The report also highlights how Atom users log in using face and voice recognition and receive support from a 24/7 customer service team.