The former co-founder and CTO of UK challenger bank Starling has launched a new cryptocurrency platform.

Mark Hipperson’s new firm Ziglu allows access to both crypto and traditional currencies through its app, currently available on iOS, with an Android version to follow.

The firm has raised £5.2 million in seed funding to power the public launch which followed a beta testing phase.

It said it has been built on bank-grade cloud technology, and offers “fair and fully transparent pricing with user funds held in a segregated account.”

Users can exchange their money into digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash and monitor their balances in real-time.

The app comes with an accompanying Mastercard debit that allows users to spend any currency (including crypto), anywhere in the world.

Mark Hipperson, Ziglu Founder and Chief Executive Officer said: “This launch marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Ziglu to deliver transformational financial services for our customers.

“By offering immediate and safe access to best-price crypto, customers can spend, exchange and send their money, regardless of the currency, where, when and how they want.”