According to a recent Financial Times report, the UK fintech giant Revolut is aiming for a valuation exceeding $40 billion in an upcoming share sale, according to insiders. This move would solidify its status as Europe’s most valuable startup. The high rating is somewhat surprising given the fact that the UK regulators have so far refused to grant Revolut the requested banking license. Its competitors, Monzo and Starling, have secured banking licensesw a few years ago already.
FinTech unicorn Revolut is streamlining its ownership structure in collaboration with investor SoftBank, paving the way for a long-awaited banking license in the UK. After prolonged discussions, Revolut and SoftBank have reached an agreement. SoftBank had previously sought significant compensation for relinquishing its preferential share class. To secure a UK banking license, Revolut must eliminate preferential shares held by investors, including SoftBank.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the London-based FCA-regulated payment processor Checkout Ltd d/b/a Checkout.com raised $1 billion in a recent share sale that valued it at $40 billion. New investors including Franklin Templeton and the Qatar Investment Authority participated alongside existing ones, such as Insight Partners and Tiger Global Management. Checkout is one of the big crypto-to-FIAT payment processors. It didn’t raise money from outside investors until 2019 but is one of the most valuable start-ups in the world.