LHV Bank appoints former Starling executive Damian Thompson to lead UK business
LHV Bank has appointed Damian Thompson, a former Starling and NatWest executive, as its UK CEO. The commercial lender is preparing a larger push into UK credit after its loan book passed £1 billion. Thompson previously helped scale Starling’s lending book beyond £5 billion.
The appointment places Damian Thompson, formerly of Starling and NatWest, at the head of LHV Bank’s UK business. He previously helped grow Starling’s lending book past £5 billion. LHV’s own loan book has now crossed £1 billion, and the commercial lender is preparing a broader move into UK credit. His experience in expanding lending operations may be relevant as LHV seeks a larger UK credit presence.
For UK borrowers and businesses, LHV’s planned credit expansion could mean another potential source of commercial loans, which may affect choice and terms over time. The impact would depend on how aggressively the bank lends and which sectors it targets. Employees and communities linked to lending activity could also see indirect effects. Overall, the appointment may signal a gradual shift in the competitive landscape, though its real-world reach remains uncertain.