ONLINE bank Zopa has received a £68 million funding boost, led by AP Moller Holding, the owners of shipping giant Maersk.
The new investment aims to support Zopa’s growth plans, including the launch of a current account and further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Times reported.
Founded in 2005, Zopa initially pioneered peer-to-peer lending but transitioned to a traditional banking model in 2020. Today, the bank serves over 1.3 million customers, manages £5 billion in deposits, and has lent more than £13bn to UK consumers.
Chief executive Jaidev Janardana revealed that the funding will help Zopa meet regulatory capital requirements as it continues to grow at a rapid pace. He highlighted plans to introduce investment ISAs and a new current account in the coming year.
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) allows you to invest in options like shares, funds, investment trusts, or bonds. These are typically managed through a stocks and shares ISA, also known as an investment ISA.
“A lot of banking now is done on a small rectangle. We are looking at how AI can take us beyond mobile apps and into more voice-based banking, making that interaction simpler and bringing back some warmth," he was quoted as saying.
He added that AI could also help customers “make better choices” on their finances by helping people manage the multiple financial services providers most consumers have.
The bank reported its first pre-tax profit of £15.8m in 2023, driven by higher net interest income. It anticipates doubling profits in 2024, supported by a projected 35 per cent increase in annual revenue.
AP Moller Holding, also a shareholder in Danske Bank, is among Denmark’s largest investors with $32bn in assets. The report revealed that Zopa’s largest stakeholder, IAG SilverStripe, a specialist in financial services investments, also participated in the latest funding round.
With about 850 employees, Zopa has benefitted from rising net interest income in recent years. However, Janardana welcomed the possibility of central bank rate cuts, noting it could stimulate demand for the bank’s lending products.
The investment will also fuel Zopa’s push into generative AI technologies, which underpin tools like ChatGPT. This innovation aims to “reinvent how people interact with their money,” according to the company.
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Faye Winter defends Love Island 2025 cast after viewers flood Ofcom with complaints
Faye Winter calls out Love Island viewers after record Ofcom complaints and urges them to stop online abuse
Highlights:
Former Love Island star Faye Winter has hit back at the wave of online hate directed at contestants from the just-concluded 2025 season, calling the comments “vile” and urging viewers to “give them a break.” Her comments come as this year’s series officially became the most complained-about season in the reality show’s history.
Faye, who faced a record-breaking 25,000 Ofcom complaints during her own stint in 2021, took to Instagram to share her frustration with social media users attacking the current Islanders after Toni Laites and Cach Mercer won the £50,000 (₹5,300,000) prize.
Why did Faye Winter speak out against Love Island trolling?
The backlash followed Love Island 2025’s dramatic finale on 5 August, which ended with Toni and Cach crowned as winners. But the season made headlines for another reason: the alarming volume of complaints filed to Ofcom.
Faye, reflecting on her own experience, posted a picture from a flight and a statement slamming viewers for their online cruelty. “These Islanders don’t know you, and you don’t know them,” she wrote. “Before you post that nasty comment, ask yourself, will it actually make your life any better?”
She pointed out the double standards of viewers who demand drama from reality shows and then attack contestants for delivering it. “The performing monkeys you were entertained by are out of the circus now,” she added. “Let them rest… let them process the experience and do their eight seasons of therapy with someone who’s actually qualified.”
How many complaints were made about Love Island 2025?
According to Ofcom, more than 9,000 complaints were received in July alone, primarily concerning the alleged bullying of contestant Shakira. The episodes between 22 July and 25 July drew thousands of viewer complaints, including 2,272 complaints in a single night.
Further allegations were made about misogynistic behaviour by male Islanders, particularly contestants Dejon and Harrison Solomon. Some 1,000 complaints were lodged in mid-July regarding gender-based misconduct and inappropriate comments.
These figures surpass even the explosive 2021 season, when Faye’s heated argument with then-partner Teddy Soares sparked a national debate and 25,000 Ofcom complaints, though the regulator ultimately declined to take action.
Faye lashes out at Teddy | Love Island 2021 youtu.be
What has Faye Winter said about her own experience?
Since leaving the villa, Faye Winter has become one of the few ex-contestants to consistently speak up about the mental health toll of reality TV. On the We Need To Talk podcast hosted by Paul C. Brunson, she revealed she felt “worthless and alone” after coming off the show and even experienced suicidal thoughts.
“I remember feeling like all the pillars in my life were crumbling,” she said through tears. “I didn’t want to be in this house, I didn’t want to be around these people, I didn’t want to be doing this job.”
She echoed these sentiments during an earlier appearance on Fabulous Magazine’s Shamed YouTube series, where she admitted: “At one point, when I came out of Love Island, I thought I was the worst person in the world.”
What is ITV doing to protect Love Island contestants?
In response to growing concern over contestants’ welfare, ITV has implemented stricter duty of care protocols in recent years. These include psychological assessments, training on media handling, and post-show therapy sessions.
A spokesperson from ITV previously confirmed that all Islanders are now given mental health support both before entering the villa and after their exit. This includes therapy access, financial advice, and social media training.
But as Faye’s comments underline, the work may not be enough unless audiences take more responsibility for the impact of their words.