Starling Bank Launches Tools to Boost UK Financial Wellbeing and Female Entrepreneurship

Starling Bank has launched a suite of tools and initiatives to help UK consumers and entrepreneurs improve their financial wellbeing in 2026. With offices in London, Southampton and Cardiff, the bank’s latest efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to financial empowerment across the UK.

Central to the update is the introduction of the Last Digit Widget, a gamified savings feature embedded in Starling’s app. This tool encourages users to build the habit of checking their bank balance daily by prompting them to transfer the last digit—either in pounds or pence—into a dedicated savings Space. For instance, if a user has a balance of £123.45, they can save either 5p or £5 into the Widget.

According to research conducted by Starling, people who check their balance daily save more frequently, have higher average savings (£18,243 compared to £17,196 for infrequent checkers), and are more likely to meet financial goals. Daily checkers also show greater financial confidence and tend to save for specific goals such as property, vehicles, or holidays. The tool is endorsed by financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal and personal finance expert Becca Stroud, who both emphasise the psychological benefits of regular financial engagement.

“This daily habit can help keep us financially fit and ensure we get the most from our money,” said Becca Stroud. “Habits are powerful because they operate beneath the level of willpower,” added Vicky Reynal. “Starling’s Last Digit Widget is a great example of how something can be gamified to become a simple daily action.”

Starling’s research revealed that the biggest blocker to balance checking is not financial anxiety or excess wealth, but rather a preference for mental budgeting, cited by 51% of non-daily checkers. Others rely on automated bills (34%) or simply don’t think to check (14%).

To further embed financial mindfulness, iOS users can place the Widget on their phone’s home screen, keeping their savings progress front of mind.

Alongside this, the bank has launched the Let’s Talk Money initiative to address how differing ‘money languages’ affect UK couples. A study of 2,000 couples found that 74% don’t share the same approach to finances, contributing to delays in major milestones like buying a home or starting a family. The initiative features an interactive Money Language tool—tested by public figures including Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black—providing personalised advice to support financial compatibility and relationship harmony.

Starling is also backing UK entrepreneurs through a new partnership with Small Business Britain, focused on female founders. With women currently representing just 14% of SME employers, the collaboration seeks to close this gap and unlock up to £250 billion in economic value. Their upcoming ‘Female Founder Fundamentals’ programme, set to launch in early 2026, will deliver masterclasses in confidence-building, finance, and AI-enabled productivity.

The partnership was launched at a networking event hosted at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, which brought together over 150 women entrepreneurs. Research behind the initiative reveals that 60% of female founders face challenges in switching off from work, highlighting the need for tailored business support and community connection.

These initiatives reflect Starling’s strategic focus on building financial resilience—whether through everyday saving habits, improved relationship dynamics, or inclusive business support—and position the digital bank as a key player in shaping the financial health of the UK in 2026 and beyond.