Fintech powerhouse Revolut is reportedly considering acquiring a licensed US bank to speed up its entry into the American lending market, according to Financial Times sources familiar with the matter.

The move would allow the UK-based firm to offer credit and banking services in the US much faster than by applying for a banking charter from scratch — a process known for being lengthy and complex.

Two FT sources said Revolut is actively exploring the purchase of a small, affordable bank with a national license, which would instantly give the company a regulatory foothold. However, one of the insiders noted that no final decision has been made yet. Revolut declined to comment.
Why This Matters

Getting licensed in the US has long been one of Revolut’s biggest hurdles in its global expansion. The acquisition route could sidestep bureaucracy and instantly unlock a new market of millions.

If successful, it would mirror a similar strategy seen in June 2025, when Revolut reportedly acquired a small Argentine bank (operating under the Cetelem brand) to establish a presence in Latin America.
Revolut’s Licensing Timeline

UK: Received a preliminary banking license in July 2024, but as of mid-2025, full consumer lending approval is still pending.

US: Considering a bank acquisition instead of applying from scratch.

LATAM: Bought a local bank in Argentina to grow regionally.

Revolut by the Numbers

📅 Founded: 2014

👤 Founders: Nikolay Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko

🌎 Global Users: ~60 million as of June 2025 (per Bloomberg)

💰 Fundraising: In talks to raise $1 billion, valuing the company at $65 billion (as of July 2025, per FT sources)

If Revolut goes through with a US bank acquisition, it could mark a turning point in how fintechs tackle regulatory scaling in mature markets. Will they go the build-from-scratch route, or just buy the license?

Either way, Revolut’s playbook is getting bolder — and more global.