Adyen just made it even easier to accept in person payments. No terminals. No extra devices. No cables. Just an iPhone.

As of May 27, Tap to Pay on iPhone is now available also in Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Malta. Businesses in these countries can now accept contactless cards, Apple Pay, and digital wallets directly on an iPhone with nothing else required.

This brings Tap to Pay on iPhone to over 30 countries, making it one of the most widely available mobile first payment solutions in the world.

No hardware no friction

Tap to Pay by Adyen is built to remove some of the typical friction from in person payments by replacing a conventional terminal with an iPhone.

There’s no need for traditional payment hardware, which simplifies the setup; especially for businesses that want to stay mobile or reduce operational overhead.

Staff can take payments anywhere on the shop floor, without forcing customers into fixed queues. That makes it useful for pop ups, events, or stores focused on personal service.

As for security, transactions are encrypted and processed using the same technology behind Apple Pay. Card numbers and PINs aren’t stored on the device or on Apple servers.

“We’re enabling a secure, scalable and smooth payment process that enhances the shopping experience rather than interrupting it.”

-Alexa von Bismarck, President EMEA at Adyen

Suitsupply is already on board

Global fashion brand Suitsupply rolled out Tap to Pay on iPhone in every market where it’s live. More than 2000 style advisors are already using their iPhones to take payments directly on the shop floor.

“It’s helped us deliver a best in class checkout experience,” said Valentijn Bolle, IT Product Owner at Suitsupply.

This is not a pilot or test. It’s already live at scale and it works.

Who is Adyen

Adyen is a financial technology platform working with companies like Meta, Uber, H&M, eBay, and Microsoft. Founded in Amsterdam in 2006, the company built its infrastructure entirely in house with no legacy systems to patch together.

In 2023, Adyen processed €970.1 billion in payments.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

• Adyen focuses on removing friction, not just adding features. Their expansion of Tap to Pay shows a clear pattern: simplify the experience for both merchants and customers, without adding hardware or operational complexity.
  
  
• Geographic expansion is tied to real merchant use cases. Adyen doesn’t launch everywhere at once. It expands based on demand from global clients and readiness in local markets. Smart growth beats fast growth.
  
  
• Partnerships are part of distribution. Working closely with Apple enables Adyen to move faster and offer integrated tech others can’t easily replicate. Fintech startups should think beyond APIs and consider ecosystem plays.
  
  
• Consumer experience still matters, even in B2B fintech. Suitsupply isn’t just using Tap to Pay because it’s convenient. It improves in-store experience. Adyen understands that great merchant tools still have to impress end users.
  
  
• Build once, scale globally. Adyen’s ability to roll out the same solution across regions shows the value of unified infrastructure. Many startups burn resources localizing too early; Adyen proves the value of building a single, scalable core.

Crédit Coopératif and Orange Bank are officially “seeing each other.” At least on paper. The two have entered exclusive talks about a potential deal that could see Crédit Coopératif snap up the fintech Anytime.

The news came via a press release from Orange on 23 May 2025, confirming that a memorandum of understanding has been signed. Translation: they’re not picking out curtains just yet, but things are getting serious.

Anytime, the fintech that’s carved out a niche helping associations and non-profits handle their finances, might soon be calling Crédit Coopératif home. And it fits. The bank’s big 2030 strategy, titled “100% committed,” is all about going digital and showing some extra love to small and newly launched associations.

Why Anytime?

Founded in 2014 and acquired by Orange Bank in 2020, Anytime has evolved from a general-purpose business account provider to a niche player offering financial tools for associations; including advanced expense management and card fleet systems.

“To achieve its growth ambitions by 2030, Crédit Coopératif aims to strengthen its digital offering, particularly for its small and medium-sized association clients. Anytime offers simple and innovative services that perfectly meet the new needs of this clientele.”

— Pascal Pouyet, CEO of Crédit Coopératif Group

This specialization positions it as a natural fit for Crédit Coopératif, which has a legacy of banking for SSE actors. With 68 business centers across France, a remote banking infrastructure, and an impact investing arm, the bank is looking to amplify its reach in the association segment via digital channels.

A Complementary Match

Crédit Coopératif’s CEO, Pascal Pouyet, emphasized that Anytime’s offerings are “simple and innovative,” making them particularly suitable for SME-style associations. The fintech’s tools are expected to boost the bank’s ambition to capture over 6% market share among newly created associations by 2030.

From Orange Bank’s side, CEO Frédéric Niel stated that after helping Anytime scale, the time is right for it to grow further with a cooperative banking partner whose services “complement” its own.

What’s Next?

The deal is subject to consultation with employee representative bodies from both parties. If all goes according to plan, the acquisition could be finalized by the end of 2025.

Key takeaways for fintech startups:

• Vertical specialization pays off: Anytime’s focus on associations helped it stand out and become acquisition-ready.
  
  
• Strategic exits can come from aligned players: Cooperative banks like Crédit Coopératif may offer fertile ground for partnerships or buyouts, especially in niche markets.
  
  
• Digital distribution models are no longer optional; even traditional banks are prioritizing them to reach underserved segments.
  
  
• Growth isn’t just scale; it’s focus: Anytime’s move from general SMBs to association-specific services highlights how narrow positioning can lead to real traction.

Want to identify your niche, craft your growth strategy, or prepare for acquisition? We help startups grow. Get in touch.

If you’re building a fintech startup, chances are you’ve heard some polite version of “Not sure there’s a market for this” or “Sounds risky.” Most fintech founders hear it at some point. But history is on your side; some of today’s biggest fintech players were told no before they became unmissable.

Here are five fintechs that were doubted, dismissed, or misunderstood; and then went on to reshape the market. Each story offers sharp lessons for founders looking to turn hesitation into momentum.

1. Revolut

When Revolut launched in 2015, it started with a fairly focused mission: make travel money simpler. But within a couple of years, it was handling everything from crypto to stock trading, savings, and insurance. Critics called it unfocused. Regulators raised concerns about compliance. And even within fintech circles, some asked: “Isn’t this five different companies rolled into one?”

“Starting anything new is extremely hard. It’s breaking the walls all the time, so you really need to have character to break the walls and you need to have brains to more efficiently break the walls.”

— Nikolay Storonsky, Co-founder and CEO of Revolut

How they took off: Instead of narrowing down, Revolut leaned in. They executed fast, added features weekly, and built a fiercely loyal user base; particularly among young, mobile-first travellers. As of 2025, with 55+ million users and a new European HQ in Paris, it’s one of the most powerful fintech brands in the world.

What founders can learn: Being “too much” isn’t a problem if you’re the one who can pull it off. Bold vision plus shipping speed is hard to beat.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

When Wise launched in 2011, banks didn’t worry. The founders were building a money transfer tool with almost no margin, openly attacking hidden fees, and promising full price transparency. Investors passed. Users hesitated.

How they took off: Wise’s “we hate bank fees too” brand hit a nerve. They kept it lean, internationalised early, and let product quality do the talking. By 2025, they move ~5% of global cross-border personal transfers; and posted over £240 million in annual profit.

What founders can learn: Disrupting a slow-moving giant works when your values align with real user pain. Trust plus simplicity scales.

3. Klarna

When Klarna launched in Sweden in 2005, the idea of letting people delay payments online – with no interest or fees – felt counterintuitive. Credit cards already did that (with strings attached), and European consumers were generally cautious about debt. Investors were unsure how scalable the model was. Critics questioned whether retailers would buy into it. And unlike most fintechs, Klarna chose not to operate like a traditional lender or bank at the start, which only added to the uncertainty.

“I remember one investor calling me early on, fretting about the end of the world and insisting that I start downsizing. I’m always glad I didn’t take that advice, because COVID ended up being a major acceleration.”

— Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co-founder and CEO of Klarna

How they took off: Klarna built merchant trust first, then expanded into consumers. It refined the BNPL experience and moved into lifestyle fintech territory. In 2025, it reported $701 million in quarterly revenue and is once again profitable.

What founders can learn: If your model challenges norms, start by making it useful; then make it loved.

4. Monzo

Monzo began in 2015 as a digital-only bank in the UK, back when the term “neobank” wasn’t yet mainstream. It quickly attracted attention with its hot coral debit cards, slick app, and unusually transparent communication style – including live updates on outages and product roadmaps. But behind the excitement, there were structural challenges. For years, Monzo operated at a loss, struggled with monetisation, and faced growing pressure to prove its model could survive beyond the hype, especially during the turbulence of the COVID-19 years.

“The idea that I could launch a startup instead of getting a ‘real’ job seemed totally implausible.”

— Tom Blomfield, Co-founder and first CEO of Monzo

How they took off: Monzo focused on sustainability, introduced lending and paid accounts, and rebuilt investor confidence. In 2024, it posted its first annual profit (£15.4M) and secured £340M in new funding. Monzo isn’t just back; it’s stable.

What founders can learn: Great branding and user love are powerful, but don’t ignore the fundamentals. Profitability gives you real momentum.

5. N26

N26 quickly became one of Europe’s most talked-about neobanks; and also one of the most questioned. Early on, it wowed users with clean design and mobile-first convenience. But when it expanded beyond Germany, especially into the U.S., growth felt shaky. Critics said the product lacked depth, customer support was lagging, and the company was chasing scale too soon.

How they took off: N26 exited the U.S. and doubled down on its European core. That focus paid off: it raised a $900M Series E and remains one of the highest-valued fintechs in Europe. Not every expansion works, but knowing when to cut losses is a strength.

What founders can learn: You don’t have to win everywhere. Growth is about precision, not geography.

Key Takeaways for Fintech Startups

Here’s what today’s breakout fintechs can teach early-stage founders facing doubt, pushback, or early-stage hurdles:

• Doubt isn’t death. It’s often a sign you’re doing something original.
  
  
• Make the product speak. Shipping quality and transparency win trust.
  
  
• Don’t scale pain. Fix your model before expanding into new markets.
  
  
• Profit unlocks independence. Even the best brands need a business case.
  
  
• Focus wins. Especially when the world’s watching.

Want to build a fintech story that stands out, even when no one believes in it yet? We help founders craft strategy, narrative, and GTM plans that turn “No thanks” into traction. Let’s talk.

Monarch has raised $75 million in Series B funding, one of the largest consumer fintech rounds in the U.S. this year so far. The company announced the raise as investor appetite for B2C fintech remains cautious, with much of the sector still in a deep freeze.

The San Francisco-based startup is now valued at $850 million, with the round co-led by Forerunner Ventures and FPV Ventures, and participation from Menlo Ventures, Accel, SignalFire, and Clocktower Ventures. Monarch’s subscriber base surged 20x after Intuit shut down Mint in early 2024, as consumers searched for alternatives.

Co-founder Val Agostino, previously an early product manager at Mint, built Monarch as a subscription-only app to track spending, manage investments, and plan financial goals; without relying on ad revenue or selling user data.

Why Monarch Stands Out

Founded in 2018 by Ozzie Osman, Jon Sutherland, and Val Agostino, Monarch set out to address some of the biggest frustrations with traditional personal finance tools: faster onboarding, cleaner budgeting, and a trust-based business model that puts the user first.

While many fintechs are struggling to grow, Monarch’s user-focused approach helped it absorb a wave of Mint users and maintain high engagement levels. Investor Wesley Chan of FPV Ventures said Monarch reminded him of other successful bets in complex markets; pointing to the app’s simplicity, shareability, and steady user growth.

A Rare Success in a Tough Market

According to PitchBook, U.S. fintech funding dropped 38% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with nearly 75% of capital flowing to enterprise startups. Consumer-facing fintechs have faced steep investor skepticism.

“This financing will dramatically accelerate our mission of building the most comprehensive financial wellness platform for consumers.”

— Val Agostino, Co-founder & CEO, Monarch Money

In that context, Monarch’s raise signals that high-quality B2C models can still win over investors; if they solve real problems and retain users. Chan noted that down markets often highlight which founders are building for the long term.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what fintech startups can learn from Monarch’s approach and momentum.

• Capture momentum when markets shift: Monarch grew rapidly after Mint’s closure by being in the right place with the right product
  
  
• Trust-based monetization matters: A subscription model aligned incentives with users; and appealed to investors
  
  
• User experience is a differentiator: Clear design and ease-of-use still set winners apart in crowded categories
  
  
• Investors are selective, not absent: Funding is available for standout consumer fintechs, even in a down cycle
  
  

Want to turn market shakeups into growth like Monarch? Contact us. We help fintech startups grow through smart strategy, bold positioning, and crisp execution.

Most fintech tools weren’t built for your local auto shop. Affiniti is changing that. Founded in 2021 by Aaron Bai and Sahil Phadnis while they were students at UC Berkeley, the startup aims to become the financial brain for small and medium-sized businesses.

From Expenses to Intelligent Finance

Affiniti began by launching an expense management tool and a small business credit card in late 2024. These products weren’t designed for startups or tech companies, but for everyday businesses like HVAC companies, independent pharmacies, and auto dealerships. The goal was to help business owners manage spending, track expenses, and streamline reimbursements without relying on tools built for a different type of user.

The team has since expanded its ambition. Affiniti is building “AI CFO” agents; industry-specific financial tools that automate and manage banking, bill payments, sales analytics, cash flow insights, and more. Instead of being a generic assistant, each AI agent is tailored for a particular vertical, making financial intelligence more useful and accessible for busy operators.

Rapid Growth and Strong Investor Backing

In May 2025, Affiniti raised $17 million in a Series A round. This came only six months after an $11 million seed round, bringing its total funding to $28 million. Investors included SignalFire, Contrarian Thinking Capital, Sequel, Indicator Ventures, and several notable angels.

This new capital is being used to expand the platform’s features; building in banking services, deeper analytics, and integrations with systems like ERPs and point-of-sale tools. The speed of the company’s fundraising reflects both strong investor belief and a clear product-market fit in an underserved segment.

Going Deep with Industry Trust

Affiniti’s growth strategy isn’t just about tech. The founders have placed heavy emphasis on building credibility within the industries they serve. That includes partnering with trade groups for verticals like independent pharmacies. These partnerships help validate Affiniti’s offering and allow for bundled benefits, such as group purchasing discounts, which make the financial platform even more attractive.

“We want to be their full financial operating system over time, because we have the advantage of being the first fintech they’ve ever used.”

— Aaron Bai, Co-founder of Affiniti 

In just over a year, Affiniti has grown to 1,800 business customers and is processing $20 million in monthly transaction volume. It expects to cross $1 billion in total volume by the end of 2025.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what fintech startups should take away from this:

• Focus on real-world business needs. Affiniti built tools for businesses often overlooked by fintechs
  
  
• Customize your product for the user, not just the sector. AI CFOs tailored to specific verticals offer more value than one-size-fits-all tools
  
  
• Strategic partnerships can unlock access and trust faster than broad marketing
  
  
• Fast, focused execution helped Affiniti raise two rounds in six months

Conclusion

Affiniti shows that there’s massive potential in building for the backbone of the economy. By combining tailored AI with deep industry insight, it is redefining what financial management looks like for small business.

If your fintech startup is looking to do the same, we can help you craft the strategy to get there. Let’s talk.

Chime launched in 2012 with a simple premise: what if people actually liked their bank? Founded by Chris Britt and Ryan King, Chime offered a mobile-first experience, no fees, and an unusually friendly tone. A breath of fresh air in a stale industry. But instead of getting a banking license, Chime cleverly partnered with existing chartered banks. It’s now one of the most recognized neobanks in the U.S., with over 7 million monthly active users and $1.67 billion in revenue reported in 2024.

“The trust levels that mainstream Americans have in banks is extremely low, and that was part of the opportunity that we pursued.”

-Chris Britt, Co-Founder and CEO of Chime (2023)

Of course, the road to becoming everyone’s “non-bank bank” wasn’t without its potholes. Let’s rewind through the highs, lows, and strategic pivots that shaped Chime’s journey.

Dependency on Banking Partners

In the early years, Chime leaned heavily on partners like The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank to provide core banking services. This gave them a fast go-to-market route, but also meant they had limited control when things went wrong; which, unfortunately, they sometimes did.

How they navigated it: Chime strengthened relationships, invested in internal infrastructure, and quietly became more operationally resilient without breaking their “we’re not a bank” message.

Lesson for fintech startups: If you’re building on someone else’s rails, make sure your seatbelt (and your support agreements) are tight.

Service Outages and Customer Complaints

In October 2019, Chime’s customers woke up to locked accounts and frozen funds due to a major service outage. About 5 million users were affected, and the complaints piled up fast on social media.

How they handled it: Chime stepped up communications and worked to overhaul infrastructure and monitoring. Transparency improved. Trust slowly returned.

Lesson for fintech startups: Even with the best UX, backend cracks will show. And Twitter (or X, if you want) will absolutely notice.

Pivot to Financial Health

By 2020, Chime realized its “millennial banking” image was limiting. So, it leaned into financial health, launching features like early direct deposit, fee-free overdraft, and credit-building tools. This wasn’t just a rebrand; it was a mission shift.

Why it worked: These features hit real pain points, especially for low-income Americans. Chime moved from being “cool” to being useful.

Lesson for fintech startups: Branding helps, but solving real-life problems builds loyalty.

Regulatory Slap

In May 2024, the CFPB fined Chime $3.25 million and ordered $1.3 million in customer redress. Why? Account closures were delayed, and customers didn’t get their money back fast enough. Not a good look for a company built on trust.

What went wrong: A third-party vendor error led to the issue, but Chime took the reputational hit. They’ve since improved controls and compliance processes.

Lesson for fintech startups: Even when it’s “not your fault,” it’s still your problem. Regulation doesn’t care who wrote the code.

IPO Incoming

After years of speculation, Chime filed for an IPO in 2025, reporting 31% year-over-year revenue growth and aiming to position itself as the default choice for fee-free digital banking.

How they’re framing it: Steady user growth, deep engagement, and expanded offerings; including savings, credit, and possibly investments down the line.

Lesson for fintech startups: You don’t need to be a bank to go public like one, but you do need bank-level numbers.

Looking Ahead

Chime is still out to prove that a friendlier, cheaper, mobile-first approach to banking can win over the mainstream. With a successful IPO on the horizon and continued focus on financial health, it’s no longer just a clever idea – it’s a serious challenger to traditional banks.

Need help telling your fintech startup’s story; the wins and the bruises? Contact us. We help startups grow with clarity, credibility, and smart strategy.

Big changes are coming for Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) in the UK. Earlier this month, HM Treasury announced that the days of BNPL operating like the “wild west” are numbered. Starting next year, the sector will face proper regulation, bringing millions of shoppers stronger protections and giving fintechs a clearer rulebook to grow from.

Over 10 million people in the UK currently use BNPL products. Until now, they’ve had little in the way of safety nets if things went wrong; no affordability checks, no ombudsman support, and often confusing refund processes. That’s about to change.

What’s actually changing?

Under the new rules, BNPL providers will need to play by the same rules as other consumer credit firms. That includes:

• Upfront affordability checks to stop unaffordable borrowing
  
  
• Clearer information so users know exactly what they’re signing up for
  
  
• Faster access to refunds when purchases go wrong
  
  
• The right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service

This is all part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at modernising consumer finance and giving households more financial stability. According to Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds, the reforms are designed to protect working people while helping BNPL firms grow with confidence.

Out with the old, in with the flexible

The changes don’t stop at BNPL. The government is also reforming the 50-year-old Consumer Credit Act; replacing it with a more modern and flexible framework. Oversight will shift to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), cutting outdated red tape while keeping consumer protection front and center.

For fintech founders, this shift is big. It signals a move toward clearer rules, more regulatory certainty, and a level playing field for newer products like BNPL. The consultation on this kicked off in late 2024, and now the government is following through – with legislation already being laid in Parliament.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what this regulatory shift means for founders and fintech teams working in or around BNPL:

• BNPL regulation is coming: Start preparing now if you offer or plan to offer split-payment products.
  
  
• Affordability checks will be non-negotiable: Creditworthiness tools or partnerships will be key.
  
  
• Stronger consumer protections = more trust: Faster refunds and formal complaint rights could boost user confidence and brand reputation.
  
  
• Regulatory clarity helps with growth: Investors and partners are more likely to back products that are FCA-compliant.
  
  
• The Consumer Credit Act overhaul matters: Fintechs working with lending, credit, or payment innovations should track these reforms closely; it could impact your entire roadmap.
  

These aren’t just rules to follow. They’re guardrails that could help the BNPL model mature and scale sustainably.

Need help adjusting your strategy or staying compliant? Talk to us. We help fintech startups grow.

Singapore-based Airwallex just raised a fresh $300 million in Series F funding, bringing its total capital to over $1.2 billion and boosting its valuation to a lofty $6.2 billion. That’s not a typo; six point two. The news, reported on their website, makes Airwallex one of the region’s standout fintech unicorns, backed by big names like Tencent, DST Global, and Salesforce Ventures.

So how did a company that started in Melbourne in 2015 go global, attract over 150,000 customers, and convince some of the world’s savviest investors to keep the money flowing, especially in a fundraising climate that’s been anything but warm?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes Airwallex Special

In a world still struggling with outdated banking rails, Airwallex decided to redraw the map. They’ve built a global financial infrastructure from the ground up with products that support multi-currency accounts, virtual debit cards, expense management, and payment plugins for digital-first businesses.

But this isn’t just another cross-border payment tool. Airwallex serves over 150 countries and handles more than 60 currencies, helping companies like Qantas, Rippling, Shein, and JD.com move money across borders like it’s just another Tuesday.

“We’re building a new foundation for the global economy; fast, seamless, and built for scale.”

— Jack Zhang, Co-founder & CEO, Airwallex

Their annualized revenue hit $720 million this year, up 90% year-over-year, and they processed over $130 billion in payments. Numbers like that don’t go unnoticed.

What Airwallex really nailed was doing the hard stuff early. They didn’t just chase growth, but they made sure the foundations could actually support it. That meant locking in licenses in tricky markets like Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, so they could move fast without tripping over regulations. And on the tech side, they built with developers in mind: clean APIs, easy integrations, no Frankenstein systems.

Why Investors Are Still Saying Yes

In a quarter where venture deal values in Asia-Pacific dropped 32% (KPMG), Airwallex raised one of Australia’s largest private funding rounds in the past five years. Why? Because their value proposition is laser-focused on solving global-scale pain points.

As Paul Bassat from lead investor Square Peg put it, Airwallex meets the “critical needs for a large and growing cohort of global-first, digital-first companies.”

Translation? The world’s going borderless, and traditional banking can’t keep up. Airwallex is positioning itself not just as a facilitator, but as a platform to replace the old system altogether; fast, seamless, and built for scale.

The trust of major backers like Tencent, DST Global, Visa Ventures, and Salesforce Ventures doesn’t hurt either.

What’s Next for Airwallex

Airwallex is pushing beyond payments and into banking, asset management, and retail investing, with licenses now in Hong Kong and Australia. They’re also scaling into Latin America, with operations now in Brazil and Mexico.

And yes, the whispers of an IPO in 2026 are getting louder.

In a competitive field where even giants like Stripe and Revolut are eyeing the same prize, Airwallex has carved out a space by being relentlessly focused on infrastructure, user experience, and global regulatory readiness.

It’s not just fintech. It’s financial architecture, reimagined.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

• Solving big pain points pays off: Airwallex succeeded by tackling a huge, global problem; outdated cross-border finance systems
  
  
• Infrastructure beats hype: Building a strong, scalable backend helped them earn trust and serious capital
  
  
• Investor confidence comes from clarity: Their sharp focus on enterprise-grade offerings for digital-first businesses makes them an attractive bet
  
  
• Going global requires local expertise: Licenses in major markets (Brazil, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia) are helping them move fast, but compliantly
  
  
• Diversification is strength: Expanding into asset management and investment services sets the stage for long-term growth

Big vision, but need the right playbook? We help fintech startups build strong positioning, clear messaging, and real traction. Reach out.

A fresh round of buzz is making its way through the European payments world; and it’s not just about another product launch. According to exclusive reporting by finanz-szene.de, British fintech giant Revolut is said to be joining the European payment wallet Wero as a scheme member. That’s right: Wero, the still-developing brainchild of the European Payments Initiative (EPI), may soon be getting a serious boost.

Now before we all jump to conclusions; this news isn’t officially confirmed. The article cites unnamed insiders and sources within the EPI environment, describing the deal as “relatively fresh” and still making the rounds behind closed doors. While not officially announced, the information is already making the rounds among insiders.

Unconfirmed but logical

If true, this would be a notable move. Until now, EPI and Wero have been primarily a playground for Europe’s legacy banks. Revolut would be the first digital-native fintech player to join the initiative, marking a potential turning point in Wero’s go-to-market story.

That kind of ambition lines up with Revolut’s broader European strategy. As Antoine Le Nel, Revolut’s Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, recently put it:

“Our ambition is clear: we want to become the largest banking group in Europe, revolutionising banking and offering cutting-edge financial services to customers across all 30 EEA countries.”

– Antoine Le Nel, Revolut’s Chief Growth & Marketing Officer

In that light, plugging into a pan-European wallet like Wero sounds like a logical next step.

So what’s actually happening?

Based on the report, Revolut would not become a shareholder in EPI (at least not yet). Instead, it plans to offer Wero as a payment solution to its customers; essentially signing on as a ‘scheme member.’

The motivation is clear: Wero’s existing services – like its P2P payment function – need scale and traction. And Revolut? Well, it’s famously good at bringing new features to market at speed. Insiders hope that Revolut’s involvement will pressure banks to stop dragging their feet and finally roll out more ambitious features, such as Wero for e-commerce.

Participants from EPI, including Deutsche Bank, Postbank, Sparkassen, and Genobanken, might now find themselves facing a new kind of partner-slash-competitor; one whose product teams treat ‘agile’ like a verb, not a buzzword.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

• Partnerships matter. Revolut’s rumoured entry into Wero (if confirmed) shows how big players can influence ecosystem momentum.
  
  
• Being first counts: Revolut could become the first fintech to join Wero, signalling that traditional banking consortiums are opening up to more agile digital entrants.
  
  
• Wait for the facts: While insider leaks like this one can indicate direction, they’re no substitute for confirmed announcements. Make sure your roadmap reacts to reality, not just headlines.
  
  

Want to make sense of fast-moving shifts in fintech and turn them into strategy? Talk to us. We help startups grow with the right mix of insight, positioning, and execution.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is one of those rare fintechs that didn’t just chase hype but built something genuinely useful. Founded in 2011 by two Estonian friends living in London, Taavet Hinrikus (who, fun fact, was Skype’s very first employee) and Kristo Käärmann, Wise set out to fix a painful, universal problem: hidden fees and bloated exchange rates in international money transfers.

Fast forward to May 2025, and Wise now has over 15.6 million active customers moving £145+ billion a year across borders. With products spanning personal accounts, business tools, and a powerful API platform, Wise has quietly become one of the most influential fintechs out there; without ever pretending to be a bank or throwing out the word “disrupt” every 10 seconds.

Let’s break down their journey; one “up” or “down” at a time.

A Personal Pain Becomes a Global Product

Year 2011. Two Estonian guys in London, tired of bank fees, started exchanging money with each other; one got paid in euros, the other in pounds. They matched exchange rates, avoided fees, and thought… “Hey, why isn’t everyone doing this?”

How they pulled it off: They built a peer-to-peer platform that made this smart workaround available to the masses. No markups, no mystery fees; just real exchange rates.

Lesson for fintech startups: Your pain point might be someone else’s too. Solve it well enough, and you’ve got a business.

From Side Hustle to Hottest Startup

Within a year, TransferWise moved €10 million. Not bad for a project born out of frustration. By 2015, they were shifting over £500 million a month. Investors noticed. Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures came on board, and Richard Branson gave it the thumbs-up too.

How they did it: Smart marketing (like mock “protests” in London), solid UX, and a laser focus on one product done extremely well.

Lesson for fintech startups: Simplicity scales. Nailing one valuable use case can open doors.

Actually Profitable

Unlike many fintechs burning through VC cash like it’s bonfire night, TransferWise quietly hit profitability in 2017.

How they did it: Sustainable margins, customer loyalty, and resisting the temptation to expand too fast or too wide, too soon.

Lesson for fintech startups: Profitability isn’t just possible — it’s a moat.

Wise Up: The Rebrand

TransferWise wasn’t just about transfers anymore. With business accounts, debit cards, and multi-currency features, the name didn’t quite fit. So in 2021, they became Wise; clean, global and future-proof.

How they did it: A thoughtful rebrand tied to product evolution, not vanity. They kept their identity and customer trust intact.

Lesson for fintech startups: Rebranding isn’t about new logos. It’s about reflecting who you’ve become.

Going Public the Wise Way

Instead of the typical IPO hassle, Wise went for a direct listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021. No bankers setting prices, no hype machine, just straight to market. It worked. Wise debuted at a £8.75 billion valuation.

How they did it: Confidence, a loyal customer base, and a brand that sold itself.

Lesson for fintech startups: There’s more than one way to go public. Choose what fits your DNA.

Regulators Come Knocking

Not everything was smooth sailing. Wise got heat from the Belgian central bank in 2022 over anti-money laundering practices. Then in 2025, the U.S. CFPB fined them $2.5 million for remittance rule breaches; including, awkwardly, promoting inaccurate fees.

How they handled it: Wise accepted the findings, updated processes, and doubled down on compliance investment; a humbling reminder that scale invites scrutiny.

Lesson for fintech startups: The bigger you get, the more you need to act like a grown-up. Especially in compliance.

Oof, That Share Price

Wise warned of slower income growth in 2023. Cue investor panic and a £1 billion drop in market cap. Not ideal.

How they responded: By sticking to fundamentals. Despite the drop, Wise stayed profitable and reminded the market it wasn’t built for quarterly stunts.

Lesson for fintech startups: You can’t control markets, but you can control your business. Stay calm. Keep building.

Expanding into Investment Products

In 2024, Wise snagged an Australian Financial Services Licence, allowing it to offer investments to Australian users. It’s a big step toward becoming a global financial utility, not just a transfer tool.

How they did it: Licensing, smart partnerships, and a playbook that’s been working since day one: build, test, then scale.

Lesson for fintech startups: New geographies and products are great, but only if you’ve earned the right to expand.

Where Wise Is Heading Now

As of 2025, Wise is still pushing the boundaries of transparent, efficient global finance. They’re investing in infrastructure, growing Wise Platform (their B2B API offering), and slowly, steadily changing how money moves around the world.

They’re not the flashiest fintech. But in a sector that loves drama, maybe being quietly excellent is the most disruptive thing of all.

Need help telling your fintech startup’s story? Let’s get in touch; we help fintech founders craft narratives that build trust and drive growth.