Anthony Thomson

Fintech Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Metro Bank & Atom Bank, Chair of Velorai, Financial Services Leader & Co-Author of ‘No Small Change’

Anthony Thomson’s Biography:

Anthony is a globally recognised fintech entrepreneur who has helped reshape modern banking through the creation of some of the world’s most innovative financial institutions. As the co-founder and chair of four banks across three continents, including Metro Bank, Atom Bank and 86 400, he has built a reputation as one of the most influential figures in financial services. With decades of experience spanning banking, marketing and customer-led innovation, Anthony is widely regarded as a leading authority on fintech disruption, entrepreneurship and the future of banking. His practical experience launching challenger banks and scaling high-growth businesses makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the industry.

Anthony began his career in direct marketing with Sun Life of Canada in London before co-founding City Financial Marketing in 1987. Under his leadership, the business grew into Europe’s largest specialist financial communications group before being acquired by Publicis. He later co-founded The Financial Services Forum and continued to drive innovation across the banking sector. In 2008, Anthony co-founded Metro Bank, the first new high street bank in the UK for more than 150 years. He then founded and chaired Atom Bank, Europe’s first mobile-only bank, before taking his expertise internationally by co-founding Australia’s first smart bank, 86 400.

Alongside his entrepreneurial success, Anthony has contributed significantly to academia and thought leadership. He served as a Visiting Professor at London Metropolitan University before becoming the Goldman Visiting Professor at Newcastle University Business School. He is also the co-author of the book ‘No Small Change’, which explores innovation and transformation within financial services. Through his writing and advisory work, he has become a respected voice on customer centricity, leadership and the changing financial landscape.

Today, Anthony continues to shape the future of financial technology as Co-founder and Chairman of Velorai. He also chairs archie, supports fast-growth fintech businesses internationally, serves as an independent non-executive director at WIO Bank, and advises ila in Bahrain and Jordan. His global perspective, combined with hands-on experience creating successful banking ventures, provides audiences with valuable insight into innovation, growth and disruption.

Why Hire Anthony Thomson?

Anthony offers audiences a rare combination of entrepreneurial vision and practical execution. Having successfully launched and scaled multiple challenger banks across Europe and Australia, he provides first-hand insights into innovation, digital transformation and business growth. His engaging presentations draw on decades of leadership experience and focus on fintech disruption, customer experience, marketing excellence and high-performance entrepreneurship. Whether speaking to financial institutions, technology businesses or leadership teams, Anthony delivers actionable lessons on navigating change, building customer-focused organisations and identifying opportunities in rapidly evolving markets.

Anthony Thomson‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Anthony Thomson’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Co-founded and became Chairman of Velorai, continuing his work at the forefront of financial innovation.
  • 2023 – Led the successful sale of 86 400 to National Australia Bank for $440 million.
  • 2019 – Co-founded and became Chair of archie, supporting the growth of emerging fintech businesses.
  • 2019 – Co-founded and chaired 86 400, Australia’s first smart bank.
  • 2017 – Appointed Goldman Visiting Professor at Newcastle University Business School.
  • 2013 – Founded and became Chair of Atom Bank, Europe’s first mobile-only bank.
  • 2013 – Served as Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services.
  • 2011 – Appointed Visiting Professor at London Metropolitan University.
  • 2008 – Co-founded Metro Bank, the first new UK high street bank launched in over 150 years.
  • 1987 – Co-founded City Financial Marketing, which grew into Europe’s largest specialist financial communications group before its sale to Publicis.