Ad
Finance

Crypto-Friendly Revolut Finally Earns UK Banking License

Revolut has entered a "mobilization stage" designed for new banks to operate with restrictions.

Updated Jul 25, 2024, 9:01 a.m. Published Jul 25, 2024, 8:58 a.m.
16:9 Revolut to Suspend Certain Crypto Services (Kaysha/ Unsplash)
16:9 Revolut to Suspend Certain Crypto Services (Kaysha/ Unsplash)
  • Revolut received a banking license with restrictions from the Prudential Regulation Authority three years after applying.
  • The approval means it is en route to becoming a fully fledged U.K. bank that is also licensed to offer crypto services

Revolut, one of the world's most valuable fintechs, finally won a banking license in its native U.K. more than three years after applying.

The London-based company has entered the Prudential Regulatory Authority's (PRA) "mobilization stage," designed for new banks to operate with restrictions, Revolut said Thursday.

The approval means it is on the path to becoming a fully fledged bank in the U.K. that is also licensed to offer crypto services. Revolut has allowed the buying and selling of crypto for several years and introduced a standalone cryptocurrency exchange for experienced traders earlier this year.

Already one of the world's most valuable fintech startups, earlier this week Revolut announced plans to sell $500 million worth of employee-owned shares in a deal that would increase its value to $45 billion.

Read More: Sygnum's First-Half Spot Crypto Trading Doubles, Derivatives Increase 500%

Jamie Crawley

Jamie joined CoinDesk as a news reporter in February 2021 after writing widely about crypto and blockchain for two years in other roles. Away from crypto, Jamie runs a lot and loves all things sport. He holds small amounts of BTC, ETH, ADA and LTC.

picture of Jamie Crawley