The fast-growing challenger has teamed up with Dutch lending platform Tulp to deliver the service, which it expects to roll out in early 2022.

Mortgages are increasingly seen as the next battleground for digital banks around the world, representing an opportunity to onboard users for the long-term and offering a source of sustainable income in an industry where many struggle to turn a profit. By taking the first steps into mortgage lending, bunq has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of innovation in digital banking.

Ali Niknam, founder and CEO of bunq, said: “At bunq we are constantly innovating and evolving to serve our users. Becoming the first digital bank in Europe to offer our users mortgages is an incredibly exciting development for everyone at bunq”.

Paul Wessels, co-founder and CCO of Tulp Group, said: “Tulp is excited to support bunq to become a successful new lender in the Dutch market. This partnership is a great opportunity for the further positioning of our existing Dutch lending platform.”

bunq’s mortgages will initially be available in the Netherlands. Approximately two-thirds of bunq’s home loans on its balance sheet will be covered by the Dutch government’s insurance scheme, which guarantees homes up to €355,000 (amounts for 2022) in the event the borrower defaults.