Starling Bank completed the acquisition of Ember, a London fintech specialising in digital tax and accounting software for small businesses, subject to final closing conditions. Ember's HMRC-recognised tax and bookkeeping tools will be integrated into Starling's mobile app and online banking platform by the end of 2025. The move prepares customers for HMRC's Making Tax Digital deadline in April 2026, which requires quarterly digital tax returns for many sole traders and landlords; Starling estimates up to 780,000 people will be affected. From 2026 Ember's software will be exclusive to Starling, ending Ember's partnerships with several major banks and discontinuing its separate accountancy advisory services. The acquisition aligns with a strategy of expanding the bank's ecosystem through targeted purchases.
"We are a natural fintech consolidator, so targeted acquisitions like Ember will form a key part of our strategy as we continue to develop Starling Bank in the UK and Engine by Starling overseas," he said. "Just as Fleet Mortgages has flourished since we bought it in 2021, I'm confident that Ember's best-in-class tools will become a fantastic addition to Starling Bank's offering."
"We created Ember to take the pain out of accounting for small businesses - to help people make faster, clearer financial decisions without the stress," they said. "Making Tax Digital has created a real call t
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