Office address: PO Box 509, Tudor House, Le Bordage, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 6DS
Website: www.skiptoninternational.com
Year established: 2009
Company type: financial services
Employees: 100+
Expertise: offshore savings accounts, expat mortgages, UK BTL mortgages for foreign nationals, fixed rate mortgages, interest-only mortgages, repayment mortgages
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Jim Coupe (CEO), Jonathan Dell (CFO), Pete Turner (COO), Kaz Veljovic (CPO), Nigel Pascoe (director of business development), Shane Konken (senior customer operations manager), Kurt van Addison Sr (business development manager)
Financing status: N/A
Skipton International is a financial company headquartered in St. Peter Port, specialising in offshore banking and mortgage solutions. The company primarily serves customers in the Channel Islands and offers UK buy-to-let mortgages to global expats. In 2024, Skipton International celebrated reaching 100 employees and reported total assets of £2.6 billion, with a mortgage book valued at £2.1 billion for 2023.
Skipton International was formed in 2009 by merging Skipton Guernsey and Scarborough Channel Islands. They began sponsoring the Skipton Swimarathon in Guernsey in 2010, supporting local charities. In 2014, they extended their services to include UK Buy-To-Let mortgages for British expats, and by 2019, non-UK citizens as well.
The company was named Guernsey ‘Business of the Year’ in 2015 and launched a bursary scheme for students. The Skipton Community Fund was established in 2018 to aid charitable groups in the Channel Islands. By 2023, they served customers in over 100 countries and achieved over £2 billion in mortgage lending.
Skipton International offers mortgage and banking services to its customers across 100 countries. Key offerings include:
fixed rate mortgages: offers the stability of fixed monthly payments for the term
interest-only mortgages: provides an option where customers pay only the interest monthly, with the principal due at the end of the term
repayment mortgages: enables customers to pay both the interest and part of the principal in each instalment, gradually reducing the mortgage
buy-to-let mortgages: specifically designed for investors looking to purchase property to rent out, available to both UK and non-UK nationals
savings accounts: includes a variety of offshore savings options in Sterling and US Dollars, catering to different saver needs
business accounts: tailored financial solutions for corporate clients, enhancing their ability to manage funds efficiently
Skipton International invests heavily in training and talent development, ensuring employees can advance and excel in their careers, primarily through their Talent Development Scheme. The company’s ethos is centred around three core values: trust, ownership, and one team. Along with these principles, the company takes care of its staff through a variety of employee benefits, including:
Skipton International is dedicated to integrating sustainability into its core operations, closely aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company's goals include achieving carbon neutrality by 2024 and becoming carbon negative by 2026, focusing on significant environmental impact reduction. This strategic approach is bolstered by comprehensive initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices across all areas of the business, including:
carbon reduction measures: implementing strategies to decrease carbon emissions across operations
community support projects: engaging in programs that support and uplift local communities
sustainable resource use: promoting efficient and responsible use of resources in daily operations
environmental awareness campaigns: educating stakeholders about the importance of sustainability
Skipton International is committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting the Guernsey Employment Disability Charter and implementing extensive disability and customer vulnerability training for all staff. The company encourages physical activity, which is facilitated by the natural environment of the Channel Islands, promoting regular participation in outdoor activities. Other initiatives for diversity and inclusion include:
Guernsey Employment Disability Charter: commitment to inclusive employment practices for individuals with disabilities
disability and vulnerable customer training: mandatory training for all employees to enhance support and service
partnerships with mental health charities: collaborations that support mental health awareness and employee well-being
Mental Health First Aiders: availability of trained staff to assist colleagues with mental health concerns
promotion of physical activities: encouraging engagement in outdoor sports and activities to improve health and well-being
Jim Coupe has served as the CEO of Skipton International since 2023, having various roles in the company since 2009. Coupe previously served as a director at Central Capital and Cable & Wireless Guernsey, and as dial data services manager at Mercury Communications. He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick and a BSc in electronic and manufacturing engineering from Loughborough University.
The team that supports Coupe in leading the company is comprised of several key individuals, including:
Jonathan Dell, as CFO, oversees financial operations, ensuring strategic fiscal management
Pete Turner, serving as COO, manages the company’s operational strategies, enhancing efficiency across processes
Kaz Veljovic, as chief people officer, focuses on human resources, nurturing the company’s workforce
Nigel Pascoe, director of business development, leads market expansion and product development initiatives
Shane Konken serves as senior customer operations manager, ensuring optimal customer service delivery
Kurt van Addison Sr, as business development manager, drives business growth through strategic partnerships and initiatives
Skipton International is enhancing its leadership team, including seeking a new chief information officer and chief marketing officer. These roles aim to strengthen the company's digital and marketing strategies, essential in expanding its operations, online presence, and product development.
The company also continues to grow its mortgage offerings, particularly for UK buy-to-let properties aimed at expatriates. Skipton International’s commitment to customer service and market expansion is reflected in their consistent recognition and awards in the financial sector. Moving forward, these developments are set to greatly improve the company's global footprint and operational efficiency.
More brokers gain access to the lender's products for Jersey and Guernsey residents, UK residents, expats, and non-UK nationals living overseas
Experience in international arena means range of products and comprehensive support for brokers
Mortgage lending totals £375 million in 2023
Collaborative and nimble with a drive to get deals done makes the team unique in the space
Skipton International looks to spread the word on an increasingly popular product with many potential benefits
"The market caters to a diverse clientele"
He has over three decades of experience in the UK regulated financial services and European health care sectors
The UK's best mortgage companies to work for are prioritising their employees by ensuring they are rewarded, equipped and part of a supportive culture
He gets the promotion after being in a business development role for more than three years
It reduces interest rates with amended interest rate bandings
