London-based Starling Bank announced on Monday the launch of its new Developer Portal, which now enables third-parties to securely access customer data and builds on top of the Starling Platform using the mobile-only bank’s Application Programming Interface (APIs).
According to Starling Bank, the APIs allow external developers to create products and services that work together with its mobile app. The company revealed:
“Whilst integrations with money apps and technology platforms are expected in the first instance – such as money advice chatbots or spending analytics – in the future, the capabilities will extend for lifestyle, retail and wellness products that could integrate with other apps, wearables or even the Internet of Things.”
Starling Bank also noted that products and tools integrated with its APIs would have the opportunity to sit in the marketplace where users can easily access these additional services. Megan Caywood, Starling’s Chief Platform Officer, added:
“Starling is committed to ensuring that everyone around the world has the opportunity for a healthy financial life. There are two key steps to enabling this. The first is empowerment through data. We believe that customers own their own data and should be able to use it to their benefit, rather than have it used in cross-selling or upselling situations. A second important step is enabling innovation so that the best products in market are available and accessible for everyone – whether that’s a Lifetime ISA from a traditional provider or a new fintech. This means people have real visibility over what products are out there, and consequently, much greater choice in finding the product that is right for them.”
