Big data and financial innovations are vital to enhancing the performance of banking institutions. However, limited evidence exists on the effects of big data applications and financial innovation on bank performance. This study addresses this gap by constructing a theoretical framework linking big data applications and financial innovations to bank performance. The framework was empirically tested using questionnaire data from 150 branches of UK banking institutions between January and June 2023. Adopting hierarchical regression modelling, results show that both big data applications and financial innovations positively enhance customer satisfaction as well as financial and market performance within the banking sector. Moreover, big data applications positively impact financial innovations within banks. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of big data applications and provides valuable insights for promoting financial innovations within the banking industry.