Anthony – who has been chairman of the specialist bank since its formation in 2014 – has guided Atom through the process of securing a banking licence, raising over £250m of capital, taking over £1bn in deposits and lending over £1bn to SMEs and homeowners.

He will be replaced by Bridget Rosewell, subject to regulatory approval.

Speaking of his decision to stand down as chairman, Anthony said that since having the idea for Atom in 2012, it had gone from being a big idea disguised as a small bank to a big idea and a big bank.

“I am immensely proud that Atom bank has now completed over £1bn of lending to households and small businesses.

“This is a testament to the efforts of every person at Atom bank, and to the support of all of our shareholders.

“I am an entrepreneur and champion of the customer first and foremost.

“I specialise in disrupting, creating and building and I hope this will be my contribution to the Atom bank story.

“I have loved doing this with Atom but – as the bank moves into a new phase of development – I feel the time is right for me to step down from the role of chairman.”

Anthony will remain as a shareholder of the bank and said he is going to spend most of the next 12 months travelling.

Mark Mullen, CEO at Atom bank, said that without Anthony there would be no bank, as he paid tribute to its founder.

“It has been my privilege to make this journey in his company and both I and the entire Atom bank family owe him an immense debt of gratitude.”

Mark welcomed Bridget's appointment, adding: “Bridget has been an active and engaged member of our board from the beginning of Atom bank.

“In addition to huge experience of UK banking, Bridget brings a zest for analytics and innovation as well a deep and diverse expertise of delivery in both the public and private sectors."

Bridget – who has been the chair of Atom's audit committee since 2014 – added: “It is with regret but also great admiration that the board [has] accepted his resignation, and I and my colleagues fully understand his reasons for leaving having brought the business to maturity and achieved so much, so quickly.”