Charity Bank & Sandstone Tech Partner for New Mobile Savings App

In a significant development poised to reshape the digital banking landscape for ethical finance, Charity Bank, a distinguished UK-based institution renowned for its commitment to social impact, has announced a pivotal strategic partnership with Sandstone Technology. This collaboration aims to power the development of Charity Bank's new mobile savings application, marking a crucial step in its ongoing digital transformation journey. The alliance leverages a decade-long history of successful cooperation between the two entities, underscoring a shared vision for accessible, modern, and user-centric financial services.

Advancing Digital Accessibility in Ethical Banking

The forthcoming mobile savings app is designed to significantly enhance the banking experience for Charity Bank’s customers. It promises a suite of advanced self-service functionalities, fortified security protocols, and contemporary tools meticulously crafted to meet the evolving demands of today’s digital-savvy users. This technological evolution is not merely about introducing a new platform; it represents a commitment to seamless updating capabilities, facilitating rapid product launches, and ensuring a consistent, intuitive user experience across all touchpoints. The official launch of the app is anticipated in the spring of 2026, a timeline that reflects careful planning and a thorough development process.

Jennifer Harris, Chief Customer Officer at Sandstone Technology, articulated the excitement surrounding this initiative. "Partnering with Charity Bank on this initiative is both exciting and rewarding," Harris stated. "Mobile is now the channel of choice across all demographics, and this solution reflects the importance of delivering banking experiences that are intuitive, flexible, and future-ready. Our collaboration is built on trust and innovation, and this project showcases our shared vision for the next generation of digital banking." This sentiment highlights the critical role of mobile platforms in contemporary financial services and Sandstone Technology's dedication to developing robust, user-centric solutions.

Echoing this enthusiasm, Justin Hort, Director of Operations and Savings at Charity Bank, emphasized the strategic importance of the app. "We are thrilled to take this next step with Sandstone Technology," Hort commented. "Launching a mobile app is a major milestone that reflects our commitment to evolving with our savers’ needs. We’re focused on delivering a seamless, modern and intuitive experience—and with Sandstone’s proven track record, we knew they were the right partner to bring this vision to life." His remarks underscore Charity Bank's unwavering focus on customer experience and its confidence in Sandstone Technology's capabilities.

Charity Bank's Unique Mission and Impact

At its core, Charity Bank distinguishes itself as an ethical savings and loan institution, uniquely structured as a wholly-owned entity by charitable foundations, trusts, and various social purpose organizations. This distinctive ownership model underpins its overarching mission: to channel savers’ deposits into loans that support organizations across the UK actively engaged in driving positive social change. These initiatives span diverse sectors, benefiting individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2002, Charity Bank has proudly extended over £600 million in loans to a multitude of charities and social enterprises, effectively demonstrating how financial services can be a powerful force for societal betterment.

Sandstone Technology: A Legacy of Innovation in Digital Banking

Sandstone Technology, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, boasts a rich history of innovation within the financial technology sector, dating back to its founding in 1996. The company has established itself as a leader in providing comprehensive digital banking solutions, including sophisticated platforms for loan origination, digital banking, and seamless digital onboarding processes. Their expertise has been recognized on international stages, with notable appearances at FinovateEurope in 2012 and again in 2016, where they showcased their pioneering advancements.

Leadership and Evolution

The leadership at Sandstone Technology has continuously steered its trajectory towards innovation. In 2022, Abhish Saha assumed the role of CEO, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous position as Executive General Manager of the company’s Digital Banking & Elevate business unit. Saha succeeded Michael Phillipou, who had capably led the organization since December 2020. This leadership transition reflects the company’s commitment to sustained growth and strategic evolution in a rapidly changing industry.

A Track Record of Success

Sandstone Technology’s commitment to delivering impactful digital solutions is further evidenced by its recent accolades. The company garnered significant recognition for its collaborative efforts with UK-based Chetwood Bank. Through this partnership, Sandstone Technology played an instrumental role in deploying a cutting-edge digital savings platform for Chetwood Bank. This implementation notably contributed to a remarkable 39% increase in customers successfully completing their application processes and subsequently opening savings accounts. Such tangible results underscore Sandstone Technology’s proficiency in developing and implementing solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly improve customer engagement and conversion rates.

The Future of Ethical Digital Banking

The renewed partnership between Charity Bank and Sandstone Technology signifies a crucial juncture in the ongoing digital transformation of ethical banking. By combining Charity Bank’s foundational mission of social good with Sandstone Technology’s robust digital expertise, this collaboration is set to redefine the customer experience, making ethical banking more accessible, efficient, and appealing to a broader audience. As the financial sector continues its rapid evolution, initiatives like this demonstrate the potential for technology to not only streamline processes but also to amplify an institution's core values and societal impact. The upcoming mobile savings app is poised to be a testament to this powerful synergy, driving both financial innovation and positive social change.