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Unlocking the UK banking market: to buy or not to buy

10 January 2026 / Author(s): Lisa Lee Lewis , Sam Krips
Issue: January 2026 / Categories: Feature

The UK’s banking sector is widely recognised as a global benchmark for financial sophistication, underpinned by a regulatory framework that is both robust and complex. The UK’s regulatory environment sets a high bar for entry. Whether through direct authorisation or acquisition, new entrants must demonstrate a deep understanding of legal, capital and operational risks, engage proactively with regulators and build business models that are resilient, compliant and adaptable to future change. The strategic choices made at this juncture will determine not only the success of individual firms but also shape the future of the UK banking sector.

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