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A Fresh Valuation for Europe’s Fintech Giant
Revolut has launched a secondary share sale that places its valuation at $75 billion, according to a source familiar with the process. The deal highlights sustained investor appetite for one of Europe’s largest digital finance players, even as broader market conditions remain uncertain.
The London-based firm, founded in 2015, has grown into a global operator serving tens of millions of customers with services spanning payments, savings, crypto trading, and investing. The latest valuation marks a sharp rise from the $48 billion figure achieved earlier this year, signaling that shareholders see continued potential as Revolut seeks to stand alongside established banking groups.
The share sale, which allows employees and early backers to sell part of their stakes, is ongoing. A Revolut spokesperson confirmed the process in an emailed statement, noting that the company would not comment further until it concludes.
What the Valuation Means
Valuations in secondary sales are not the same as those reached through major funding rounds, but they remain a useful signal of how investors view a company’s prospects. At $75 billion, Revolut’s implied worth places it among the most highly valued private financial technology firms globally.
The figure also reflects rising expectations around the company’s long-term profitability. In April, Revolut reported that annual profits more than doubled, helped by strong demand in crypto trading, higher interest income, and steady growth in card fees. Such results have given investors confidence that the business model is maturing beyond rapid growth alone.
Banking Ambitions in the UK
Revolut has long positioned itself as more than a payment app. The company is now preparing to operate fully as a bank in the UK, a step that would allow it to expand its lending services and deepen its role in customer finances.
Approval of a UK banking license would mark a major milestone, confirming that the firm meets the regulatory requirements to hold deposits under the same framework as traditional lenders. Revolut already holds licenses in several European countries, but UK approval would strengthen its standing in its home market and boost its ability to compete with domestic and international banks. In the UK, the company received a banking licence with restrictions.
Secondary Share Sales and Employee Stakes
The current transaction is an employee secondary share sale, meaning existing staff and some early investors can cash out part of their holdings. Unlike a primary funding round, no new capital enters the company through this process.
For employees, such sales provide a way to realize the value of equity grants, an important part of compensation in high-growth technology companies. For the firm, they also serve as a barometer of market sentiment. If investors are willing to buy shares at a higher price, it suggests confidence in future growth.
According to Bloomberg, the transaction values each Revolut share at just over $1,381.
Global Expansion Plans
Revolut has used its digital-first model to scale rapidly. With no costly branch network, it has been able to add users across multiple markets while building a wide range of services.
The firm is expanding aggressively in markets such as the United States, Australia, and several Asian countries. Each region presents challenges in licensing, regulation, and competition, but Revolut’s strategy has been to offer a bundled platform—combining banking services, payments, investing, and crypto—rather than single-use products.
This approach aims to replicate the so-called “super app” model that has found success in Asia, positioning Revolut as not just a bank, but a hub for financial activity.
The Role of Crypto and New Revenue Streams
Revolut’s most recent financial results underscored the importance of diversification. While traditional card fees and foreign exchange revenues remain core, strong crypto trading volumes provided a meaningful boost to profits. Rising interest rates have also supported income from deposits, showing how the firm can benefit from multiple market conditions.
Still, crypto-related income is volatile. Regulators remain cautious about how consumer-facing fintechs handle digital assets, particularly after the collapse of several major crypto players in recent years. Revolut has invested heavily in compliance teams to manage that scrutiny, signaling its intent to balance innovation with oversight.
Investor Sentiment Amid Uncertainty
That Revolut’s valuation has climbed so steeply in a year is striking, given the headwinds facing the broader technology sector. Rising interest rates, tighter regulations, and questions over consumer credit risks have weighed on other digital-first banks.
Yet Revolut’s scale, product range, and improving profitability appear to set it apart. Analysts suggest that investors view it as one of the few fintech firms capable of sustaining growth while moving toward the full stability of a regulated bank.
Looking Toward a Possible IPO
While the company has not confirmed any near-term listing plans, its scale and valuation naturally raise questions about when it might seek a public offering. A UK banking license would likely strengthen such prospects, giving potential shareholders greater confidence in its regulatory standing and long-term revenue streams.
For now, the secondary share sale allows investors to test appetite without the complexity of an initial public offering. The process provides liquidity to insiders while keeping Revolut private, giving management more flexibility to pursue growth without quarterly earnings pressure.
The Bigger Picture for European Fintech
Revolut’s rise is emblematic of Europe’s growing influence in global fintech. While the United States remains home to many of the largest players, Europe’s regulatory frameworks and consumer demand for digital banking alternatives have enabled firms like Revolut to scale quickly.
The company’s $75 billion valuation puts it well ahead of many traditional mid-sized lenders, a fact that underlines how far digital-first models have come in a relatively short time. At the same time, it places pressure on management to show that growth can be sustained and profits can be stabilized in the face of competition and tighter oversight.
Conclusion
Revolut’s secondary share sale at a $75 billion valuation marks another milestone in its evolution from a digital payments app to a global financial contender. The move underscores both investor confidence and employee demand for liquidity, while placing the spotlight firmly on its next chapter—becoming a licensed UK bank.
For the fintech sector, the deal serves as a reminder that despite regulatory challenges and volatile market conditions, investors continue to see digital-first banking as a central part of the future of finance.
