Metro Bank has today suit the first bank to launch in the UK since 1872.

But diverse nearly 150 years ago, the new high street retail bank, which has said it will differentiate itself on the strength of its patron proposition, will have to ensure its IT infrastructure can live up to its mark promise.

Its first branch in Holborn, London opened its doors to deal out in small portions and business customers yesterday morning and is set to be followed by two other London branches next month, at a reported initial require to be paid of £100m.

The bank said it has plans to unclosed a further 10 stores in Greater London over the next pair years as part of a 200-plus UK store expansion drawing.

Craig Donaldson, chief executive officer at Metro Bank, said: “Metro Bank give by ~ stand out from other high street banks by providing unparalleled office of devotion, convenience and value for money.

“People’s lives bring forth changed, great retailers have moved with them and banking should ruminate that, so Metro Bank will be where customers work, where they live and to which place they shop at weekends.”

While the new bank did not conclusion any details of the technology it has put in place to aid its launch, it is likely that key claims including a hurried opening procedure and instant issuance of permanent debit and credit cards inside of 15 minutes (subject to acceptance) will be heavily supported by IT-based systems and processes.

Networks executor Cable & Wireless said the customer-centric banking offered by Metro Bank could have existence a breath of fresh air for the high street. But it warned that it be required to ensure the right technology is in place to deliver.

Phil Grannum, venture managing director at Cable & Wireless Worldwide, said today’s expatiate heralds a new era in the UK banking sector, where banks be bound to improve customer service, access and availability.

“Systems such as integrated multimedia platforms that make able a bank to personalise communications for every single recipient and exist proactive, or respond quickly, through their preferred channels are imperative. These platforms confederate all inbound and outbound contact channels into a single, fully integrated scheme that links into a company’s databases, ensuring that customers elect enjoy a more persuasive, unified experience – strengthening their loyalty, increasing sales and reducing buyer churn to new competitors.”

Grannum added that investment in one “A-grade” IT infrastructure and high-speed next-offspring network would ensure a faster payments initiative and allow companies such as Metro Bank to introduce new sites and contact centres during the time that their banking services grow.