Kestrl
By Oliver Mackman · Reviewed 2026-04-26 · FCA regulated
Overall
3.5/5
Ticket range
Account-based (lending product expanding)
Decision time
App-based onboarding
UK PRA bank
No
UK Sharia-compliant fintech focused on personal and SME banking. Not a full SME lending bank yet, but the most active UK Sharia fintech worth watching. Account-led product with lending products expanding. Reasonable Sharia oversight via independent scholars.
Sharia structures offered
- · Wakala-based deposit products
Pros
- ✓ UK fintech experience for Sharia-compliant savers and small businesses.
- ✓ App-based onboarding.
- ✓ Active product development.
Cons
- ✗ Not a PRA bank (e-money / specific permissions only).
- ✗ Lending product range still narrow.
- ✗ Smaller Sharia governance footprint than full Islamic banks.
Best for
- · SMBs wanting a Sharia-aligned operating account before borrowing
- · Tech-led businesses comfortable with fintech UX
Weak at
- · Larger commercial lending
- · Sharia structures requiring full Islamic-banking infrastructure
Sharia governance
Independent Sharia advisors review product structures.
How to apply
Apply directly via www.kestrl.io. Kestrl works on a relationship basis for commercial finance; expect a qualified call before a written term sheet.
Editorial only. We are not an FCA-authorised adviser. Kestrl did not pay for or pre-approve this review.