Finance office design: the coolest financial workspaces

Historically, banking and finance offices were grand in structure and design, conveying institutional permanence through bold façades, ornate lobbies and neoclassical detail. Layouts often reinforced rigid hierarchies, with corner offices for senior execs and rows of desks for junior staff. Controlled private areas were essential for client confidentiality and compliance. Meanwhile, post-Big Bang deregulation led to strong corporate branding and open plan trading floors, signalling global reach and power.

While some of the legacy traits from previous decades remain, modern finance sector workspace has evolved dramatically. In the UK today, top finance companies – such as HSBC, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Capital One and Standard Chartered – occupy dynamic corporate real estate in major financial centres. Their offices are expertly designed and heavily serviced, with high-quality amenities, administration and tech infrastructure to facilitate client-oriented work. They are collaborative spaces that prioritise wellbeing and sustainability, while supporting flexible working models. Aesthetically bold, tech-enabled and future-focused, they are ushering in a new era of finance work environments.

Our top 5 finance office designs

As we know, offices don’t have to be boring. Here, we take a look at some of the coolest and most exciting new offices in the UK finance sector.

1/ Santander

Located in central Milton Keynes, Unity Place is Santander’s new, state-of-the-art HQ – home to digital banking innovation. With its workforce previously split between different sites, this development brings Santander’s 5,000 employees together under one roof. An eight-storey, mixed-use campus, Unity Place reimagines the possibilities of corporate workspace. It offers diverse public amenities, including facilities for local businesses, students and start-ups, plus community spaces and retail. The site is configured across four blocks, connected by light-filled atria, with expansive outdoor terrace space and garden bridges.  

Key project info

• Size: 861,000 SQ FT[JC1] 
• Location: Milton Keynes
• Sector: Financial services
• Standout feature: Garden bridges
• Office designer: LOM

WRKPLC’s verdict

This big, bold and generous campus design takes banking workspace to a new level. Open and accessible to the local community, Unity Place reflects Santander’s social values and commitments. Its finishes, material selection and warm tones set it apart from traditional corporate buildings, while the collaborative, tech-first format reflects changes in the banking landscape.

2/ ANZ

The design of ANZ’s European HQ is based on circular economy principles, aligned to the company’s sustainable banking ambitions. Occupying the twelfth floor of the Cargo building in Canary Wharf, the office reflects the bank’s focus on employee and customer wellbeing. It offers an agile workspace that is functional and energising, promoting a sense of community. The floorplate arrangement creates different zones of activity, conveying the notion of travel as people cross the open plan space. Visible leadership also signals an open, inclusive and approachable organisation.

Key project info

• Size: 23,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Sustainability creds and industry recognition for green design
• Office designer: TP Bennett

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This design scheme really understands the role of the post-pandemic banking office, centring on people and collaboration. The relaxed, fluid spaces create a sense of flexibility, while the sustainability efforts are second to none. Reused and low-carbon materials, efficient water and waste management, recycled furniture – ANZ and TP Bennett have raised the bar for sustainable workplace design.

3/ Wise

Expanding its office space by 40%, fintech company Wise has relocated its global HQ to Worship Square in Shoreditch. The new space combines aesthetics and sustainability to great effect, creating a unique and dynamic work environment for over 1,000 employees. The interior design scheme comprises striking colours, materials and artwork, connecting to the history and culture of Shoreditch. Meanwhile, an onsite sauna, massage area and nap pods ensure employees can feel rested and refreshed. On the sustainability side, the building aligns with the UKGBC Net Carbon Framework, having undergone and Whole Lifecycle Carbon Assessment and a switch to low-carbon materials.

Key project info

• Size: 83,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Wellbeing facility with sauna, massage chairs and beds
• Office designer: HLW

WRKPLC’s verdict

Wise’s new HQ captures the spirit of Shoreditch and embraces the new era of sustainable financial services. We like the uniquely themed workspaces, which celebrate different aspects of the local area’s history. And the sustainability performance is impressive; reducing embodied carbon by 11 tonnes is a real statement of intent. Good work!

4/ Mondrian Investment

Mondrian Investment’s new workplace occupies the top two floors of Sixty London Wall, one of the city’s newest landmark developments. Offering an unbeatable end-user experience, this world-class destination engages with the new ways of working that have redefined the finance sector. Offering a rich mix of social space and traditional work zones, the workplace is enhanced by timeless décor and furnishings. A barista bar, statement firepit and extensive outdoor terrace are just some of the standout features, while biophilia and recycled materials showcase the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Key project info

• Size: 38,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Stunning views of the City and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Office designer: Peldon Rose

WRKPLC’s verdict

Mondrian’s new office combines premium hospitality with high-functioning workspace, creating a stylish interior that also offers the very latest in workplace AV technology. It’s a destination that will support valuable employee-client interactions and experiences – a shining example of post-pandemic workplace innovation.

5/ Revolut

Following an extensive search, leading fintech company Revolut decided to relocate its global HQ to the YY Building in Canary Wharf. Increasing its London footprint by 40%, Revolut signed a 10-year lease on the new property, which it described as “a commitment to our future in finance”. Spanning four floors, the Revolut HQ is an experience, not just workplace – one which challenges traditional design conventions and paves the way for future growth. Boasting best-in-class workspace, local amenities and leading ESG building credentials, the new HQ prioritises sustainability, employee wellbeing and productivity.

Key project info

• Size: 113,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Revolut logo, shining bright at the top of the YY building
• Office designer: AIS

WRKPLC’s verdict

This is a fitting location for a company that’s come so far, so fast, from small startup in 2015 to leading fintech with 40 million customers globally. We look forward to seeing how this remote-first business uses its new space, which lends itself to workshops, events, launches and more. Exciting times!

Key trends and considerations when designing offices in the finance sector

So, what have we learned from these innovative and cool finance sector offices?

First and foremost, workplace location is critical in this highly specialised and competitive market. Offices are usually based in major cities, whose industry associations support company purpose and brand positioning. Being at the heart of a reputable financial district, with access to local talent, transport links and amenities, enhances a firm’s prospects and resonates with clients.

Likewise, impressive views of city skylines reinforce the notion of centrality and relevance, subconsciously providing a ‘view of future success’. Workspace with a killer view is therefore a key office search criterium.

Tech infrastructure is essential too, with first-class AV technology a prerequisite for all finance firms and institutions – particularly those where remote or hybrid working is still in place. Design increasingly supports digital-first banking and investment, with workspace incorporating multiscreen setups, secure server rooms and robust IT and data systems.

Like their legal counterparts, finance firms still require private space for discrete client work, consultation and regulatory compliance. But these spaces are likely to be offset by collaboration hubs and communal breakout areas. Open spaces that encourage cross-departmental dialogue are increasingly common, with firms encouraging less siloed and more fluid, entrepreneurial exchanges. In banking in particular, bringing all people together under one roof is an emerging post-pandemic trend.

Finally, design schemes continue to reflect high-status brand identity, especially among private equity and asset management companies. But increasingly, these schemes are executed with a playful modern flourish, intended to delight and inspire.

If you’re looking to revamp your financial company’s workspace, get in touch with WRKPLC for expert guidance and advice. You can also download our free Office Design Companies Guide.