Starling Bank introduces custom AI smart tools for customers

Starling Bank has rolled out a new suite of artificial intelligence features within its mobile application, enabling customers to build and utilise custom smart tools. This initiative integrates these capabilities directly into the bank’s existing agentic AI assistant, marking a significant expansion of its digital services. The launch represents a strategic move to deepen user engagement through tailored financial utilities.

The initial release will see new features added to the assistant on a weekly basis. The first batch of tools includes a tax analysis function, a spending quiz, and a budget planner designed specifically for students. Additionally, the system offers automated savings calculations and enhanced fraud controls. A distinctive aspect of this rollout is the ability for customers to submit their own concepts for smart tools via the assistant. These crowdsourced ideas may eventually be developed and made available to the wider public, fostering a collaborative approach to product development.

Harriet Rees, group chief information officer at Starling, stated that AI has become second nature to many users who interact with the Starling Assistant daily. She noted that while some customers are still exploring the full capabilities of AI, the new smart tools remove the guesswork by performing specific tasks with pre-programmed prompts accessible via a simple tap. Rees added that while basic money management tools are no longer exclusive to neobanks, AI remains a differentiator. The bank aims to pave the way for genuinely useful applications of the technology, realising the potential of AI-driven banking across the UK through rapid capability releases and external experimentation.