About us

History

Skipton International was founded in 2009 following the merger of Skipton Guernsey and Scarborough Channel Islands.

Skipton International is established in Guernsey and is a bank wholly owned by Skipton Building Society, the fourth largest building society in the UK. If Skipton International was a UK building society itself it would rank as the 12th largest.

2009 - 2013

Following the merger of Skipton Guernsey and Scarborough Channel Islands in 2009, Skipton International was formed. At the time, the bank offered residential mortgages and savings accounts to Channel Island residents only.

In 2010, Skipton sponsored the Skipton Swimarathon in Guernsey for the first time. The annual event has gone on to raise over £620,000 for numerous local projects in the past 12 years.

2014

Skipton International announced that it had partnered with the Guernsey Housing Association, providing mortgages for its partial ownership scheme. Since 2016, Skipton has supported the Andium HomeBuy Scheme in Jersey. These official affordable housing schemes are designed to help those looking to buy a property, but who would otherwise not be able to afford their own home in the Channel Islands.

Also in 2014, Skipton launched UK Buy-To-Let lending to British Expats, and extended the offering to non-UK citizens in 2019. Currently, Skipton International provides UK mortgages secured on properties located in England, Scotland and Wales.

2015 - 2017

In 2015, Skipton International was named Guernsey ‘Business of the Year’ at the Guernsey Awards for Achievement - something we are still proud of to this day. Also in 2015, Skipton introduced its bursary scheme, which offers one student the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience, in addition to financial support throughout their university studies.

The Skipton Mortgage Centre opened its doors in St Helier, Jersey, for the first time in 2017. This houses Skipton’s Jersey mortgage team who can assist with all mortgage enquiries, and supports clients through the process of securing their dream home.

2018 - 2020

In 2018, the bank launched the Skipton Community Fund as a direct response to news of cuts to funding of many Channel Island charitable groups. It was hoped that the Fund would be able to help those Channel Island not-for-profit organisations that do not have such a high profile, or are often overlooked for funding and public donations – proving a small amount can go a long way. Over £130,000 has been donated to date.

During 2020, Skipton launched its first Sustainability Report and committed to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (tackling poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030). In 2021, the bank was the first Channel Islands’ financial organisation to sign up to the United Nations Environmental Programme – Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI).

2021 - 2022

We now have a global customer base in over 100 countries and a growing UK Buy-To-Let mortgage book. The end of 2021 saw Skipton reach assets of over £2 billion.

In 2022, Skipton added US dollar savings accounts for both individual and corporate clients. Skipton was also awarded a third consecutive Platinum Trusted Service award from Feefo and announced plans to be lifetime carbon negative. 

2023

In 2023, Skipton were named the ‘Offshore Account Provider of the Year’ in the prestigious Moneyfacts Awards, plus ‘Mortgage Employer of the Year’ for two years running. 

During April, Skipton surpassed £2 billion of mortgage lending and is now one of the largest providers of UK Buy-To-Let mortgages for expats and non-UK residents.

The Skipton Mortgage Centre relocated to a larger premises in St Helier, Jersey, in June.

Skipton welcomed new bursary student Lauren Walsh, in August. Lauren is a former Melrose and Ladies College student and is soon to undertake a three-year Business Management and Leadership degree at Winchester University. 

During November, Skipton’s Community Fund hit its £250,000 milestone. The Fund supports smaller good causes in the Channel Islands in which Skipton International operates: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

Skipton continue to strive to achieve our mission of helping as many people as possible into new homes.