Digital banking giant Revolut is reportedly exploring the acquisition of a US bank as a strategic move to accelerate its entry into the American market. This approach would allow the UK's largest fintech to bypass the lengthy process of obtaining a banking charter from scratch, enabling it to offer lending services more quickly. While acquisition is a strong consideration, Revolut is also still weighing the option of applying for its own banking license.
The company's push into the US, one of the world's largest financial markets, comes as UK fintechs face slower domestic growth. Gaining an American banking license would provide access to a vast customer base and deposits. There's speculation that President Donald Trump's deregulatory agenda could potentially expedite the approval process for bank charters, though Revolut is still determining the most efficient path.
Beyond the US, Revolut is actively pursuing global expansion, including a recent acquisition of an Argentine bank and plans to acquire a Middle Eastern bank. The company is also reportedly in talks for a $1 billion funding round to help finance these international ambitions.
A successful US banking approval could also pave the way for Revolut to reintroduce digital asset services in the country. The company previously suspended crypto services in the US due to regulatory uncertainty but has offered them in other regions. Industry experts believe a US banking license would be a significant milestone, strengthening Revolut's competitive position against American fintech rivals.
July 2025, Cryptoniteuae