The Bank of London, a rapidly growing financial institution, has announced a big change at the top of its leadership. Anthony Watson, who founded the bank and has been its CEO for the past eight years, is stepping down from his role. However, he isn’t leaving the bank entirely. Instead, he will become the Founder & Senior Adviser and a Non-Executive Director of The Bank of London Group. Taking his place as CEO will be Stephen Bell, who has been the bank’s Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO). This change is still awaiting final approval from the regulators.

Founded in 2021, The Bank of London quickly made a name for itself in the UK financial world. The bank serves over 4,500 businesses and clients, offering advanced banking solutions and positioning itself as a forward-thinking and innovative institution. It has been expanding both within the UK and internationally, solidifying its presence in the competitive banking sector.

Anthony Watson, the outgoing CEO, will not disappear from the scene. Although he is leaving his position as CEO, he will continue to play an important role at the bank as an adviser and key shareholder. This means that his influence will still be felt, even if he won’t be involved in the day-to-day management. Watson’s decision to step back comes after eight years of leading the bank. Under his guidance, The Bank of London became known for its innovative approaches and grew significantly in size and reputation.

Watson reflected on his decision, saying, “Deciding to step back from the role of CEO has been one of the most challenging decisions of my career, but I know it’s the right time after eight years leading the company. Founding The Bank of London and seeing it grow into what it is today has been the greatest privilege of my life. This bank is more than just a business to me — it’s a part of who I am. But just as a founder must build, they must also know the right time to pass the torch. Stephen joined the firm in 2021 and his leadership, and commitment have been critical to our success. I have full confidence that he is the right person to lead the bank into its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting him and the bank in my new role.”

Stephen Bell, the newly appointed CEO, joined The Bank of London in 2021 and has since played a significant role in managing risk and ensuring compliance with regulations. These experiences have prepared him well for his new role. Bell expressed his gratitude to the Board for their trust in him and acknowledged the leadership and vision that Anthony Watson brought to the bank. He shared, “I am deeply grateful to the Board for their confidence in my leadership and to Anthony for his unwavering vision in creating The Bank of London. It has been a privilege to be part of the bank’s journey, and I am excited to lead our team as CEO, continuing to build on the solid foundation we have established. Our commitment to our ‘safer by design’ operating model remains at the forefront as we move forward.”

The change in leadership comes at a time when The Bank of London is looking to strengthen its foundation and continue growing. The bank has always been committed to providing safe and innovative banking solutions, and this new chapter aims to keep that promise alive. Bell’s experience in risk management and compliance will be crucial as he leads the bank into its next phase, especially in a time when regulatory requirements are becoming more complex.

David Skillen, Chair of the UK Bank, praised Watson’s achievements, saying, “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Anthony for his pioneering leadership. He has not only created a different kind of bank but has also laid the foundation for its continued success. We are equally excited to welcome Stephen as our new CEO. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry have already been pivotal to our achievements. We look forward to seeing him lead the bank as we continue to build on our strong foundation in the UK.”

The bank’s decision to promote Stephen Bell demonstrates confidence in his leadership abilities and a belief that he can drive the institution forward. As the new CEO, Bell will be responsible for steering the bank through its next phase of growth, focusing on its commitment to safety and innovation.

Anthony Watson has been a significant figure in the bank’s journey from its very beginning. He has been the driving force behind many of its successes, helping to position The Bank of London as a unique and forward-thinking institution. His decision to step back from the CEO role comes at a time when the bank is strong and well-positioned for the future. Watson will remain a vital part of the bank’s strategy and will continue to provide guidance and support in his new role.

In summary, this leadership change marks a new era for The Bank of London. The transition from Anthony Watson to Stephen Bell symbolizes both continuity and growth. With Bell at the helm, the bank is expected to continue its journey toward innovation and expansion, while Watson remains an influential figure behind the scenes. The future looks bright for The Bank of London as it continues to build on its solid foundation and aims for even greater success.