Brex, the San Francisco-based fintech unicorn known for corporate cards and spend management, has secured a Payment Institution (PI) license in the European Union via the Netherlands. Announced in August 2025, the license authorizes Brex to operate across all EU member states, directly issue corporate credit cards, and execute payment transactions such as SEPA direct debits and credit transfers.

For Brex, this milestone is more than paperwork – it removes the U.S.-only limitation that previously restricted onboarding. Now, the company can serve enterprises originated in Europe, not just subsidiaries tied to U.S. entities. The Netherlands was a strategic choice: a fintech-friendly regulator, an English-speaking hub, and passporting rights that let Brex expand across 30 EU/EEA countries with a single license.

Why it matters

The EU PI license, defined under PSD2, enables a wide range of payment services: issuing instruments, remittances, transfers, and more. Crucially, it gives Brex direct access to European rails like SEPA. Customers will benefit from locally issued cards with higher acceptance rates, euro-denominated payments, and fewer intermediaries. As CEO Pedro Franceschi put it, “No third-party intermediaries, no borrowed licenses, and no workarounds required.”

This license also provides regulatory credibility. Meeting EU standards on governance, capital, and compliance is rigorous. For fintechs, that stamp of approval signals resilience and commitment. It’s also a moat – competitors relying on third parties cannot easily match the same autonomy.

Strategic context

Brex’s global roadmap has been clear from the start. Over seven years, it built infrastructure spanning 200+ countries and 60 currencies. Yet until now, it could only onboard firms with U.S. presence. With 1,500 existing customers already operating in the EU – nearly half of whom are multinational – demand was strong. Ooni, the UK-based pizza oven maker, highlighted Brex’s appeal: “It’s one system employees can use regardless of where they are.”

Financially, Europe represents a massive opportunity. Franceschi has pegged the potential at up to $5 billion annually. Legacy providers like Barclays and AmEx dominate, but their solutions are fragmented. Brex aims to win CFOs with integrated cards, expense management, and treasury tools. It has already established an Amsterdam office, hired local staff, and will roll out services in phases through 2026. A UK license is next on the roadmap.

This expansion also comes as Brex prepares for an IPO and moves toward profitability. By doubling down on compliance-heavy expansion, it differentiates itself from U.S. rivals like Ramp, who focus domestically with partner-driven models. Brex is betting that owning infrastructure and licenses will pay off in product quality and long-term margins.

What it unlocks

• Local card issuance: EU corporate cards with domestic BINs, fewer declines, and no foreign quirks.
  
  
• Direct SEPA access: Brex can originate euro transfers and direct debits itself.
  
  
• Full product suite: Expense management, treasury, and spend controls available to EU-based firms.

By controlling the stack, Brex can iterate faster, avoid revenue-sharing, and build features competitors can’t easily replicate.

Lessons for fintech startups

• One license, many countries. EU passporting provides scale, but requires upfront effort.
  
  
• Licenses as moats. Harder to get, but grant autonomy and differentiation.
  
  
• Local compliance = local product. Real SEPA or local cards only come with local licenses.
  
  
• Plan for UK separately. Brexit means two playbooks.
  
  
• Follow customer pull. Expansion works best when existing clients already need you abroad.
  

Brex’s EU license shows how regulatory fluency, infrastructure, and timing can unlock new growth. For startups, it’s a reminder: scaling across borders is as much about compliance as ambition.

Your Fintech Story helps fintechs grow with consulting, coaching, and market expansion support. Reach out if you want to scale smarter.

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Klarna Group plc, the Stockholm-founded buy now, pay later (BNPL) fintech, has officially kicked off its initial public offering after a prolonged wait. On September 2, 2025, Klarna announced the launch of its IPO, offering about 34.3 million ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “KLAR” . Approximately 5.56 million of those shares will be newly issued by the company, while the remaining ~28.8 million are being sold by existing shareholders . The expected price range is $35 to $37 per share, which would value Klarna at up to roughly $14 billion . At the top end of that range, Klarna stands to raise about $1.27 billion in gross proceeds . Major global banks including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are leading the underwriting syndicate for the offering , underscoring the significance of this listing in the fintech sector.

This IPO is among the most anticipated tech listings of 2025, marking a cautious revival in the tech IPO market after a dry spell. Investor appetite for high-growth tech stocks had been muted for a few years, but steadier markets in 2025 have encouraged companies like Klarna to test the waters again . Recent successful debuts of other fintechs and digital finance firms signaled that the window for public offerings is reopening . Klarna’s debut, in particular, is seen as a bellwether for the BNPL and broader fintech space – its outcome will gauge whether investors are ready to once again bet on fast-growing, but previously overhyped, fintech startups . A strong reception could ignite confidence and pave the way for other late-stage startups to follow, while a lukewarm result might remind founders that even decacorns aren’t immune to skepticism .

From Peak Valuation to Delay

Klarna’s road to the public markets has been anything but straightforward. Just a few years ago, Klarna was Europe’s most valuable startup, with a private valuation that soared to $45.6 billion in 2021 at the height of the BNPL boom . Fueled by multiple funding rounds between 2020 and 2021, the company’s valuation rocketed from $5.5 billion to an eye-watering peak in the mid-$40 billions . There was even talk of an imminent market debut back then – CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski reportedly considered a direct listing in 2021, aiming to capitalize on the fintech frenzy .

However, Klarna’s fortunes swiftly changed course, offering a stark lesson in how fast fortunes can change in the startup world . By mid-2022, as market conditions deteriorated with rising interest rates and investor skepticism toward unprofitable tech, Klarna’s lofty valuation came crashing down. The company shelved its listing plans and instead raised a private down round that plummeted its valuation to $6.7 billion, an astonishing ~85% drop from its peak . This humbling turn of events – a nearly 69% fall from its once $45+ billion perch – turned Klarna into a case study of tempered expectations . The BNPL sector overall was hit hard during this period; soaring inflation and regulatory scrutiny made investors question the sustainability of “growth-at-all-costs” fintech models. In Klarna’s case, it responded by aggressively cutting costs, including a 10% reduction of its workforce, and seeking capital at progressively lower valuations to weather the storm .

Even after surviving the 2022 downturn, Klarna had to remain patient about going public. Volatile market conditions repeatedly delayed its IPO. In fact, Klarna confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO in early 2025, only to pause those plans in April 2025 amid a sudden spike in market volatility . An unexpected announcement of new U.S. trade tariffs sent global markets into a jittery selloff, prompting Klarna’s management to hit the brakes on the offering at the last minute . This springtime hiccup showed that even in 2025, external macro surprises could derail an IPO timeline. It wasn’t until late summer 2025, with markets stabilizing and stocks near record highs, that Klarna felt confident enough to revive its IPO ambitions . Now, roughly 18 years after its founding in 2005, and after years of speculation and at least one false start, Klarna’s long-awaited market debut is finally in motion .

Rebounding with Improved Fundamentals

One reason Klarna can finally proceed with its IPO is that it used the intervening time to strengthen its business fundamentals. After the 2022 reckoning, the company pivoted from breakneck expansion to a focus on efficiency and profitability. These efforts are bearing fruit: Klarna reported a 24% surge in revenue in 2024, reaching $2.81 billion . More impressively, it swung from steep losses to a modest profit – booking a net profit of $21 million in 2024 after a $244 million loss the year before . This marked the first full-year profit for Klarna since 2018, highlighting a significant turnaround in its operating performance. In recent quarters, Klarna’s management has deliberately shifted gears from hyper-growth to “measured” growth with an eye on the bottom line, and it shows in the narrowing of losses and improving margins . The painful belt-tightening measures (slashing operating costs and headcount) appear to have stabilized the business , putting Klarna on a more sustainable path as it enters the public markets.

Klarna’s core business also demonstrated resilience amid economic headwinds. The BNPL pioneer continued to grow its user base and merchant network through the turmoil. As of mid-2025, Klarna boasts over 111 million active consumers and roughly 790,000 merchants across 26 countries . Consumer adoption remains strong – even in a higher interest rate environment – with younger shoppers still drawn to the flexibility of installment payments. Klarna has also expanded its product offerings (for example, rolling out a Klarna Card in the U.S. and obtaining a full banking license in Europe) to diversify revenue beyond the classic pay-in-4 BNPL loans . Moreover, credit metrics have improved: the company noted that a record number of transactions were paid on time or early in Q2 2025, and loan default rates fell to 0.89%, indicating that fears of spiraling credit losses have so far been managed . All these factors helped rebuild investor confidence in Klarna’s model. By mid-2025, private-market trading of Klarna’s stock implied a valuation back in the mid-teens of billions, signaling that the company had partially clawed back its lost valuation (though still far below the 2021 peak) .

Key Lessons for Startup Founders

Klarna’s dramatic rise, fall, and resurgence provide a rich learning opportunity for entrepreneurs. Here are some key lessons startup founders can take away from Klarna’s IPO journey:

• Timing Is Everything: Just because a company can go public doesn’t mean it should – at least not right away. Klarna waited through a years-long IPO drought and chose to list when market conditions showed signs of recovery . It even pulled back an offering in early 2025 when volatility spiked, showing that patience and timing can make the difference between a flop and a successful debut. Founders should gauge the broader market sentiment and be willing to postpone big moves until the environment is favorable .
  
  
• Be Ready to Pivot and Adapt: The path to success is rarely linear. Klarna’s team had to pivot their strategy when circumstances changed – aborting a planned 2021 direct listing and raising emergency private funding in 2022 when the market turned . This flexibility (choosing a down round over a risky IPO) likely saved the company. Startup leaders should always have a Plan B (or C) and remain agile, whether it’s altering go-to-market plans, funding strategies, or product focus, when the situation demands it.
  
  
• Valuations Can Swing Wildly: Klarna’s story is a cautionary tale about sky-high valuations. In 2021 it was a $46 billion superstar, and a year later it was worth a fraction of that  . Such volatility underscores that today’s hype can become tomorrow’s headache. Founders should avoid getting blinded by inflated valuations in boom times – and conversely, not be demoralized by downturn valuations. What matters is building a real business; market sentiment will zigzag. Klarna’s nearly 70% valuation collapse and subsequent partial rebound show that valuation is temporary, but execution is what endures .
  
  
• Focus on Fundamentals and Profitability: When the tide went out on easy money, Klarna had to refocus on fundamentals. The company aggressively cut costs, streamlined operations, and pushed toward profitability – and by 2024 it managed to flip to a profit while growing revenue 24% . For startups, the lesson is clear: high growth is great, but sustainable unit economics and a path to profitability are crucial for long-term viability. Investors eventually ask, “Can you make money?” Klarna’s turnaround suggests that answering that question convincingly is key to restoring faith when hype fades.
  
  
• Expect the Unexpected (External Shocks): Finally, Klarna’s IPO journey illustrates how external factors beyond your control can upend plans. From regulatory pressures on BNPL, to rising interest rates, to an out-of-left-field trade tariff announcement that temporarily derailed its 2025 IPO , Klarna weathered many surprises. Startup founders should always plan for contingencies – whether it’s having extra cash reserves, diversifying markets, or simply the willingness to pause and wait out a storm. The ability to stay calm and make strategic decisions under unpredictable conditions is a hallmark of resilient companies.

Klarna’s experience – climbing to the top, stumbling, and climbing back – serves as a vivid example of the rollercoaster many startups face on the road to an IPO. By learning from its journey, founders can better navigate their own ventures through exuberant highs and challenging lows. In the end, Klarna’s long-awaited IPO isn’t just a fintech news event; it’s a story about perseverance, adaptability, and strategic patience that any entrepreneur can appreciate. The overarching takeaway: build a business that can survive the tough times, and you’ll be ready to thrive when the market’s wind blows in your favor. And reach to us.

It’s official: Walmart Canada is now Klarna’s largest omnichannel retail partner in the country. With over 400 stores going live, customers can now use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) for both online and in-store purchases; a first at this scale in Canada.

Klarna’s press release is, understandably, a bit celebratory. But underneath the big numbers and exec quotes is a very real, very strategic shift that fintech startups should take seriously.

Klarna isn’t chasing headlines. It’s chasing utility.

It’s easy to look at this and say “of course Klarna partners with Walmart.. who wouldn’t?” But it’s more nuanced than that.

Klarna didn’t just win a logo. It embedded itself into everyday consumer behaviour at the most fundamental level: checkout. Not just online, but physically; at 400+ points of sale, in the real world, on the ground.

A customer now stands at a Walmart cashier, sees Klarna’s QR code, and chooses how they want to pay. No friction. Just choice.

That’s not a brand placement but also a product-market fit.

Omnichannel is no longer a buzzword

The real story here isn’t just BNPL. It’s distribution.

Klarna has spent years building for omnichannel usage, and now it’s reaping the rewards. This rollout isn’t just about giving Walmart shoppers more flexibility, but about owning the payment layer across every context a customer might buy.

And they’ve made it dead simple:

• Online? Klarna.
• Mobile app? Klarna.
• In-store with a QR code? Klarna.

This is what omnichannel actually looks like when done right. For startups dreaming of partnerships: this is the bar now.

It’s not about credit

The BNPL model is often misunderstood as just an alternative to credit cards. But Klarna isn’t positioning itself that way here.

Instead, it’s offering control, flexibility, and transparency – the holy trinity of modern consumer finance. Klarna gives shoppers the ability to choose their flow (pay now or in 4), see what they owe, and feel in charge of their spending.

For fintechs, this is a subtle but critical lesson: the value is in how the product is framed, not just the feature.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what fintech startups can take away:

• Be indispensable, not visible. Klarna’s QR at checkout isn’t just a marketing touch.. it’s functional, embedded, and useful.
  
  
• Omnichannel needs to mean something. If you say you’re omnichannel, show how your product works across online, mobile, and in-store without friction.
  
  
• The partner wants customer impact. Klarna gave Walmart a clear value-add: more payment choice for 1.5M daily customers.
  
  
• User experience > technology. The UX here is minimal: scan a code, pick a method, done. That’s what wins mass adoption.
  
  
• Position around empowerment. Klarna’s messaging isn’t about debt — it’s about “responsible spending.” That framing makes all the difference.
  
  

Want to land your own Klarna-Walmart moment?

Your Fintech Story helps fintech startups refine their strategy, grow faster, and land the right partnerships. Reach out if you’re ready to scale like you mean it.

Europe’s financial software stack is highly fragmented. In the U.S., a startup might integrate with QuickBooks and Xero and be ready for launch. In Europe, expansion means navigating dozens of local accounting tools, payment platforms, and invoicing systems. Each country has its own champions, compliance rules, and standards. For SaaS teams, this makes integrations a strategic challenge, not just a technical task.

“Integration is no longer just a feature, it’s a key differentiator.”

– Chift, State of European Accounting Tech 2025

Chift stepped into this gap. By offering a single integration layer across accounting, invoicing, payments, POS, e-commerce, and more, the company positioned itself as the connective tissue of Europe’s fintech ecosystem.

What They Did Right

Several decisions made Chift stand out.

• One API to connect them all. Instead of building connectors one by one, Chift created unified APIs that link to almost 100 financial systems. One integration unlocks coverage across categories like accounting, payments, e-commerce, and POS.

• Local-first mindset. European markets are diverse. Chift invested in connectors tailored to local leaders as well as international players, ensuring relevance in each country. This gave SaaS teams a shortcut to European coverage without reinventing the wheel every time.

• Making speed a feature. In-house integrations can drag on for months. Chift reduced that timeline dramatically.

“For a single accounting integration, it takes us 12 to 16 weeks in-house. With Chift’s unified API, we delivered four integrations in about 4 to 6 weeks.”

– Ashleigh Auld, Strategic Partner Marketing Manager at Pleo

Where Chift Stands Today

Chift is now recognized as the infrastructure layer for financial connectivity in Europe. Its platform spans accounting, invoicing, payments, POS, e-commerce, and PMS.

The client roster includes Qonto, Mollie, Sage, and Pennylane. These companies could have invested heavily in their own integrations but chose to rely on Chift instead.

By helping SaaS teams connect faster and more reliably, Chift directly supports adoption, retention, and product scalability.

2022	15K+	100+
company founded	businesses connected	integrations live

Why It Worked

Several factors explain Chift’s rise.

Regulation has been a huge catalyst for momentum. Across the EU, mandatory e-invoicing rules are forcing millions of B2B SMEs to adopt certified digital tools. These changes make connectivity a necessity: accounting and invoicing systems must now communicate in real time to stay accurate and compliant.

As one investor put it, “Accounting is the core ledger for everything in finance… That’s why every finance tool eventually needs to connect to the accounting system.”

At the same time, Europe’s finance stacks have grown more modular. Many companies now rely on a mosaic of specialized apps rather than one monolithic suite. This trend brings flexibility but also leaves data trapped in silos. Chift turns that patchwork into an advantage by linking every major tool in an SME’s arsenal through a single unified API. With one integration, a fragmented stack starts to function like a cohesive platform. The benefits reach beyond engineering. Sales teams can shorten cycles, marketing can enter new markets, and product teams can launch new features faster.

The company also solved the build-versus-buy dilemma. Maintaining dozens of integrations internally is expensive and drains focus from core features.

By outsourcing that complexity, SaaS teams can concentrate on what truly sets them apart.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what fintech founders can take from Chift’s journey:

• Spot fragmentation and turn it into opportunity.
  
  
• Treat integrations as part of your product strategy.
  
  
• Focus on what makes you unique and partner for the rest.
  
  
• Use regulatory changes as catalysts for adoption.
  
  
• Speed and reliability are features customers value.
  

Chift shows that solving infrastructure pain points can unlock growth across the entire fintech ecosystem. By quietly powering connectivity, they enable others to move faster.

Monzo is stepping outside of banking and into mobile. The UK challenger bank announced plans to launch an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), offering customers digital SIMs and mobile plans.

At first glance, a bank selling phone contracts might sound like a stretch. But for Monzo, it’s part of a bigger theme: service diversification. Fintechs are looking for new ways to grow, reduce reliance on thin-margin banking products, and deepen customer relationships.

The move raises an important question for every fintech founder: when does diversification work, and when does it backfire?

Why fintechs branch into telecom

Diversification is not new. Revolut offers eSIMs with global data. Klarna launched a U.S. mobile plan. N26 partnered with 1GLOBAL to sell travel-friendly eSIMs. Nubank has “NuCel” in Brazil. Even Google and Amazon have experimented with mobile bundles.

So why is telecom attractive for fintechs?

• Customer stickiness. People interact with their mobile plan daily. If it’s tied to your app, customers open it more often — boosting engagement.
  
  
• Cross-selling. If you already have millions of users (Monzo has 12m+), you can market a new service cheaply to your base.
  
  
• Subscription revenue. Mobile plans bring predictable monthly income, compared to interchange fees or lending.
  
  
• Differentiation. In a crowded neobank space, “we also run your phone service” makes you stand out.
  
  

In other words, it’s not really about telecom — it’s about becoming a one-stop digital hub for your customers’ daily life.

When diversification works

Diversification isn’t about chasing shiny objects. It works when:

• You solve a real pain point. Monzo didn’t pick mobile randomly; customers told them contracts were confusing and overpriced. That’s the same logic that drove fintechs into banking in the first place.
  
  
• You have a large, loyal base. Without scale, margins in telecom are brutal. Monzo, Revolut, and Klarna can play because they already have millions of engaged users.
  
  
• You partner smartly. Modern MVNO enablers (like Gigs, 1GLOBAL) handle the heavy telecom infrastructure. Fintechs can focus on UX and integration.
  
  
• You stay aligned with your brand promise. If your brand stands for simplicity, transparency, or travel-friendliness, your diversification should reinforce it.

When it doesn’t

Plenty of non-telcos have tried launching mobile services — and failed. Disney Mobile, ESPN Mobile, even Amazon’s Fire Phone all flopped. Why?

• They didn’t solve a clear user problem.
  
  
• Margins were too thin without scale.
  
  
• The move distracted from their core business.
  
  
• Customers didn’t see enough reason to switch.

For fintechs, the risk is the same. Diversification can dilute focus, drain resources, and hurt brand trust if the new service underdelivers.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Monzo’s MVNO launch offers a few clear lessons for founders thinking about diversification:

• Start with pain points. Diversify only if you’re solving something your users already struggle with.
  
  
• Leverage your base. Cross-sell to existing customers first; don’t assume strangers will switch just for a bundle.
  
  
• Pick the right partners. Use platforms to enter new verticals quickly instead of reinventing infrastructure.
  
  
• Time it right. Diversification is easier once your core product is stable and scaled.
  
  
• Be ready for telecom-style economics. Thin margins, high support costs, and brutal competition are part of the deal.

The founder’s lesson

Diversification is tempting, especially when investors push for new revenue streams. But it works only if it strengthens your ecosystem rather than distracting from it.

Monzo is betting that mobile will make its app more central to users’ lives. If it works, it could be a playbook for others. If not, it will be another reminder that chasing too many verticals too soon can stretch even the best fintechs thin.

Your Fintech Story helps founders navigate these choices — when to diversify, how to build a scalable strategy, and how to keep growth on track. If you’re thinking about your own “Monzo moment,” get in touch and let’s explore it together.

Revolut – widely recognized as the UK’s top fintech unicorn – has appointed Ernst & Young (EY) as its new global auditor, replacing its long-term auditor BDO.

The move isn’t just about changing names on letterhead. It’s part of a deliberate shift toward governance structures fit for an IPO and for expansion into fully regulated banking. For founders, it’s a live example of how audit readiness and financial governance can shape (and sometimes slow down) the biggest growth plans.

From BDO to EY: The Big Four Step-Up

The change followed a formal tender process run by Revolut’s Audit Committee, which evaluated candidates on global coverage, deep financial services expertise, and digital audit capabilities. EY came out on top and is set to take over for the financial year ending December 2026, pending shareholder approval.

BDO will remain in place through the 2025 audit, closing a seven-year run that covered some of Revolut’s most intense growth phases. CFO Victor Stinga thanked BDO for its support and welcomed EY as a partner for the company’s next stage.

The Shadow of Internal Control Issues

This wasn’t a change from a position of total comfort. In 2023, BDO publicly flagged concerns over Revolut’s internal controls and IT systems, stating it could not fully verify 2021 revenues. The warning was unusual for a fintech of Revolut’s size and prompted questions from regulators.

One major consequence: Revolut’s UK banking license – a crucial milestone – was delayed for nearly three years. Only in mid-2024 did regulators approve it, after the company had demonstrated that its financial control issues were resolved.

Governance as IPO Prep

The shift to EY is also a move to prepare for public markets. Big Four auditors carry weight with institutional investors and regulators alike. For a company reportedly targeting an IPO at around $65 billion, having a heavyweight audit partner is a signal that Revolut intends to meet the highest reporting standards.

It’s also about future-proofing: as Revolut grows into new markets and regulated products, its audit and governance standards need to match the complexity of its business.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Revolut’s journey is a reminder that financial governance is not a “later” problem. It’s something that needs to grow alongside the business.

• Invest in internal controls early. Weak systems can cause costly delays, especially if you’re heading toward a regulated license.
  
  
• Choose your auditor strategically. Your audit partner’s credibility becomes your credibility – especially when investors and regulators are watching.
  
  
• Don’t wait for a crisis to upgrade governance. Proactive changes can help you avoid the kind of scrutiny that stalls growth.
  
  
• Understand regulatory timelines. Approval processes are slow enough without governance gaps holding you back.
  
  
• Think like a public company before you are one. If IPO or international expansion is on your roadmap, align your processes with that standard early.
  
  

Revolut’s experience shows that growth isn’t only about more customers or bigger funding rounds. It’s about building a business sturdy enough to pass the toughest audits and withstand the closest regulatory inspections.

Your Fintech Story helps startups grow with the right strategy, governance, and market positioning. If you’re preparing for your next big leap, we can help you get there with fewer roadblocks.

Former UK Chancellor George Osborne, now an advisor to Coinbase, recently said for the Financial Times that the UK has already missed its first chance at crypto leadership; and now risks missing the second wave centred on stablecoins.

The Alarm Bell

Here’s what he actually said:

• “Far from being an early adopter, we have allowed ourselves to be left behind.” Osborne argued that Westminster let the crypto boom slip by while the US became an unexpected first mover.
  
  
• He warned, “we’re about to miss the second wave … stablecoins,” noting that regulators elsewhere (US, EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi) are already rolling out frameworks while the UK still deliberates.
  
  
• Osborne highlighted that around 99 percent of all stablecoins are pegged to the dollar—and under current UK rules, sterling-backed tokens don’t stand a chance.
  
  
• He didn’t mince words: “On crypto and stablecoins… we’re being completely left behind. It’s time to catch up.”

He also contrasted the UK’s restrictions—no Bitcoin ETFs, limited retail access, fiat transfer blocks from some banks—with the much more open environments in other jurisdictions. Regulation is now a competitive tool, and the UK is failing to use it.

Why This Matters to Fintech Founders

Strategic Blindspot

If the UK cedes stablecoin infrastructure to other regions, British fintechs will lose relevance and reach. Innovation will increasingly happen elsewhere—taking talent, capital, and customers with it.

Regulation Enables Innovation

The US recently passed the GENIUS Act, offering regulatory clarity around stablecoins. Meanwhile, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and the EU already have frameworks in place. Where rules are clear, products launch faster.

Financial Influence Undermined

Without a strong framework for sterling-backed tokens, the UK’s financial system will lack credible digital alternatives. US dollar stablecoins already dominate. Unless something changes, the UK won’t just be a step behind—it’ll be structurally locked out.

Policy Inertia vs Startup Agility

The Bank of England continues to warn about risks to the “singleness of money,” and the FCA remains cautious. That caution is now becoming a drag. Founders who wait might wait too long.

What Fintech Founders Should Learn and Do

1. Engage Now

Don’t wait for regulation to be handed down. Get involved. Join forums, trade associations, or direct consultations. Founders who show up early shape the rules others have to follow.

2. Build for Flexibility

Launch your product in regions that already have working stablecoin rules, and design your stack so it can adapt later when UK regulation catches up.

3. Prep Retail Channels

Retail access is still restricted in the UK—but that won’t last forever. Build onboarding flows, education tools, and sterling-backed infrastructure now so you’re ready when the gate opens.

Key Takeaways for Fintech Startups

• The UK is falling behind—not due to failure, but due to inaction.
  
  
• Other jurisdictions have already moved. The window for leadership is closing.
  
  
• Founders can influence policy by engaging, not waiting.
  
  
• Products need to be agile, compliant across borders, and future-proofed for the UK’s eventual catch-up.
  
  

Your Fintech Story can help you develop cross-border product strategies, regulatory engagement plans, and investor-ready narratives. Let’s talk.

Another fintech darling just smashed triple-digit growth, but what’s actually under the hood?

Airwallex UK reported a 109% YoY revenue increase for the first half of 2025. That’s not just impressive; it outpaced more mature markets like Australia and Singapore, where the company originally made its mark. In other words: the satellite just outgrew the mothership.

Yes, there’s a new office. Yes, there’s a Lando Norris sculpture. But forget the headlines for a moment, there’s a deeper lesson here for fintech startups trying to scale in a world that’s becoming pickier about traction, margin, and value.

Let’s break it down.

The Growth Formula: Speed, Value, and Focus

Airwallex UK’s growth isn’t just about signing more clients. It’s about signing the right clients — high-growth SMBs in global-facing verticals like travel, SaaS, and e-commerce. These businesses need multi-currency solutions, seamless cross-border infrastructure, and instant deployment.

Airwallex is giving them all of that — in one platform — and doing it faster than their banking incumbents.

But here’s the nuance: it’s not just the volume of deals. It’s the value of each deal, and the speed at which products are going live.

This tells us that:

• Their onboarding process is efficient.
• Their GTM strategy is resonating.
• Their product is mature enough to be deployed quickly and scaled by demanding customers.

That’s a combination many early-stage fintechs underestimate.

Headcount Follows Product-Market Fit

We’ve all seen the startups that scale headcount too early, mistaking internal growth for market pull. Airwallex UK is scaling team size in reaction to demand — not ahead of it. A 35% YoY increase brought their London team to over 100 people.

And the office move? It’s not just symbolic. Their Fitzrovia space will be double the size of the previous one, clearly planned around future hiring and product launches. This is what scaling looks like after validating your product.

It’s also a flex. London is still the fintech capital of Europe. Putting down roots in Fitzrovia signals seriousness — not just from a hiring perspective, but also from a regulatory and commercial standpoint.

Product Expansion: Only When the Core Works

New products like Yield are coming — but not because Airwallex wants to “diversify.” They’re doing it because they have a captive user base with proven needs.

Startups often fall into the trap of building new features to chase growth. Airwallex is doing the opposite: capturing growth with core products, then layering on more value after PMF is secure.

The product roadmap becomes a multiplier, not a lifeline.

Partnerships Are More Than PR

Airwallex isn’t just sponsoring McLaren Racing and Arsenal Football Club because it’s fun (though, let’s be honest — it is). These partnerships are a smart signal: they’re positioning themselves as a premium global brand, aligned with high-performance and ambition.

In a B2B fintech world often obsessed with spreadsheets and APIs, it’s a reminder that perception matters — and that a well-timed partnership can reinforce trust at enterprise scale.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what founders can learn from Airwallex UK’s recent growth run:

• Find customers with urgent, complex needs. Airwallex focused on fast-growing SMBs operating globall, where legacy systems break down.
  
  
• Make onboarding smooth and fast. High-value deals don’t mean slow sales cycles if your platform is sharp and your messaging is clear.
  
  
• Only scale headcount after product-market fit. Hiring is a multiplier, not the strategy.
  
  
• Add products only after your core works. Don’t build a suite if your flagship tool isn’t winning.
  
  
• Brand perception matters, especially in B2B. Partnerships like McLaren and Arsenal elevate credibility and stand out in a crowded space.
  
  
• Invest in your local presence. Their new Fitzrovia office isn’t just a space upgrade; it’s a statement of long-term commitment to the UK market.
  
  

Looking to unlock this kind of growth?

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Ramp, the NYC-based spend management fintech, has pulled off a rare feat in a sluggish funding market: two major raises in 45 days. After raising $200M in June 2025, it secured another $500M in July at a $22.5B valuation; a 41% valuation jump in under two months. While many peers saw slashed valuations during the 2022 downturn, Ramp is bucking the trend.

How did it happen? Ramp’s playbook offers valuable lessons in resilience and growth. Let’s break it down.

Key takeaways for fintech founders

• Solve a real problem: Ramp helps businesses cut costs and save time; its core value prop. This clear ROI (over $10B saved to date) drove fast adoption and customer loyalty.
  
  
• Go beyond point solutions: Ramp grew from a card provider to a full finance operations platform (bill pay, travel, procurement, treasury). Cross-selling made customers stickier and expanded its market.
  
  
• Use tech with purpose: Ramp’s AI agents automate expense audits and rebook travel. Internally, AI boosts efficiency and keeps burn under $2M/month. Tech adoption must drive real results.
  
  
• Raise capital at the right moment: Ramp extended its Series E within weeks, seizing momentum and launching AI tools in between. Timing helped boost valuation and preserve equity.
  
  
• Pick the right backers: Ramp’s $500M round was led by Iconiq, with participation from GV, T. Rowe Price, and others. Strategic and long-term investors add credibility and open doors.

How Ramp scaled while others stalled

Ramp launched in 2019 with a contrarian pitch: a corporate card that helps companies spend less. Its “save money” ethos quickly caught on. By 2023, it was serving tens of thousands of companies, expanding beyond cards into a finance suite with bill pay, travel, procurement, and treasury.

It didn’t stop there. Ramp shipped 270 features between mid-2024 and mid-2025; including multi-entity accounting, Slack/Teams integrations, and automated budget tools. Its acquisitions (like Buyer and Venue) added vendor negotiation and procurement muscle.

Most importantly, every feature supports Ramp’s mission: eliminate financial waste and busywork. That consistency kept the platform cohesive and helped users quantify savings; $10B and 27.5M hours saved so far.

The $22.5B valuation, explained

Ramp’s valuation is underpinned by:

• Strong financials: $700M revenue run-rate, $80B+ in annual spend volume, and 40,000+ customers; including large enterprises like CBRE and Shopify.
  
  
• Diversified revenue: Interchange fees, SaaS subscriptions, FX, bill pay, travel commissions.
  
  
• Operational discipline: Low burn, lean team, efficient sales. Ramp stayed near cash-flow positive while scaling fast.
  
  
• Huge market: Ramp estimates it’s penetrated just 1.5% of the U.S. finance operations market. The potential is enormous.
  
  
• AI-led narrative: Its “autonomous finance” pitch caught investor interest; and Ramp backed it with real traction (e.g. 15× more policy violations caught with AI agents).
  
  
• Safe business model: B2B spend infra is less risky than lending or consumer fintech. Ramp avoided regulation-heavy areas, giving it room to grow without distraction.

Smart funding strategy

Ramp split its Series E into two rounds; $200M at $16B, then $500M at $22.5B. This allowed it to capture upside by showcasing more traction (AI agent launch, new logos) between raises. Calling the second round “E-2” suggested continuity and strength, not desperation.

Ramp also expanded its investor base. In addition to returning investors like Founders Fund and Thrive, the E-2 round brought in Sutter Hill, Lightspeed, Emerson Collective, GV, and T. Rowe Price. That’s a mix of elite VCs, strategic thinkers, and IPO-oriented firms.

Why Ramp stood out

Ramp succeeded where others stalled by:

• Prioritizing R&D: Over half its team works on product, not sales—enabling rapid innovation with lean ops.
  
  
• Targeting both SMBs and enterprises: It started with startups, then scaled into the Fortune 500.
  
  
• Avoiding regulatory traps: As a software-led, non-lender fintech, Ramp sidestepped compliance burdens.
  
  
• Building real trust: Ramp aligned its incentives with customers—saving them money, not just pushing spend. That builds loyalty and makes growth more organic and cost-effective.

Market signals for fintech founders

Ramp’s raise sends a clear message: fintech is back; if you pair strong economics with AI-led innovation. VCs are once again chasing “CFO tech stack” tools, especially ones offering automation, intelligence, and real usage.

Expect more attention on B2B finance automation. Investors and incumbents alike are watching Ramp’s rise closely. The bar is higher now; but so is the opportunity.

Final thoughts

Ramp’s rise to a $22.5B valuation in under six years shows that fintech success is still possible; even in a tough market. Stay focused, innovate meaningfully, and raise smart.

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British fintech powerhouse Revolut is reportedly considering a shortcut to crack the American market; buying a U.S. bank outright. The idea? Acquire a small, federally chartered bank and fast-track access to a national banking licence. That would let Revolut skip the long, painful process of applying for one from scratch, and start offering lending and deposit services far sooner.

The company hasn’t confirmed the plan publicly, but insiders suggest it’s under serious consideration. And whether or not it happens, the rumor alone sheds light on a bigger issue: how ambitious fintechs try to break into the U.S. financial system, and what trade-offs they face along the way.

Why buy instead of apply?

Revolut’s interest in an acquisition follows a well-trodden path. Applying for a new U.S. bank charter can take years, with no guarantee of approval. Buying a small national bank with the right licence could shortcut that process, allowing Revolut to enter the market with full deposit-taking and lending authority in place.

It’s not the first time Revolut has taken this kind of approach. It previously acquired an Argentine bank to gain a foothold in Latin America and reportedly considered buying in the Middle East too. The logic is simple: licensing by acquisition can be faster, more predictable, and more scalable than going through regulators from scratch.

Of course, nothing is confirmed. The company is said to be weighing all options — including applying for its own licence — and hasn’t committed to any single path. But even considering the move shows how strategic these choices have become for scaling fintechs.

The upside: speed and control

Buying a bank offers immediate benefits. First, it shortens the go-to-market timeline by potentially years. Second, it gives Revolut full control over its U.S. operations, ending reliance on partner banks. That means owning the customer relationship, setting its own lending terms, and building its tech stack on its own systems.

It also unlocks national reach. A U.S. national bank charter covers all 50 states, avoiding the licensing maze that haunts most non-bank fintechs. And by inheriting an operating bank, Revolut could sidestep the steepest part of the regulatory learning curve — at least on paper.

Some fintechs have already taken this path successfully. SoFi, for instance, became a bank through acquisition, giving it access to cheaper funding and new revenue streams. For Revolut, the attraction is obvious: faster expansion and less regulatory red tape.

The catch: regulators and reality

Acquiring a bank doesn’t mean regulators will roll over. U.S. authorities would still need to approve the deal — and they’ll likely scrutinize Revolut’s governance, risk controls, and compliance culture before doing so. The fact that Revolut has had regulatory speed bumps in the UK might complicate the picture.

Even if the deal is approved, ownership comes with strings attached. A regulated bank must meet strict oversight standards: capital buffers, compliance exams, and conservative risk management. That’s a far cry from the move-fast culture most fintechs are used to.

Revolut has acknowledged this trade-off publicly. Internally, it’s been trying to build a more mature compliance framework and operational backbone. It’s also been hiring senior banking talent in key markets — a smart step, and one that shows it knows what it’s signing up for.

Still, the question remains: can a tech company act like a bank without losing its edge?

What fintech founders should take away

For fintech startups eyeing global growth, Revolut’s case is a useful lens. It highlights that market entry is not just about product—it’s about licensing, regulation, and execution.

Acquisition can be a fast, bold move. But it comes with a heavier burden, and it’s not a silver bullet. Founders need to think beyond access and ask: are we ready to own the infrastructure, the scrutiny, and the compliance culture that come with being a real bank?

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what Revolut’s U.S. strategy can teach growing fintechs:

• Licensing is strategic, not just procedural. Decide early how you’ll get regulated — by applying, partnering, or acquiring.
  
  
• Buying a bank can be faster — but costly. If you have capital and clarity, an acquisition can cut years off your roadmap.
  
  
• Compliance maturity is non-negotiable. If you want to run a bank, build like a bank: with controls, oversight, and experienced leadership.
  
  
• Don’t lose your tech DNA. Becoming a bank doesn’t mean abandoning speed. It means finding a way to scale responsibly.
  
  
• Align your licence with your model. A charter is a tool. Make sure it supports your product roadmap and revenue strategy — not just your press release.
  
  

Your Fintech Story helps ambitious fintechs grow, scale, and navigate complex markets. Reach out if you’re ready to take the next step.