Revolut seeks de novo U.S. bank charter after CEO hire

Revolut has filed for a U.S. national bank charter, moving to expand its role in the American financial system; as reported by Reuters, the company also named former Visa executive Cetin Duransoy as its U.S. CEO.

The application marks a strategic step toward operating as a federally supervised bank in the world’s largest economy while maintaining Revolut’s digital-first model. It formalizes the company’s intent to deepen U.S. banking capabilities under national oversight.

Revolut US banking license: what the filing enables

A successful OCC national bank charter would allow Revolut to operate more like a traditional bank in the United States. According to Yahoo Finance’s coverage of leadership comments, a charter would enable issuing credit cards, gathering deposits, and making loans under direct regulatory supervision.

Today, parts of Revolut’s U.S. offering depend on partner banks. The charter would reduce reliance on intermediaries and centralize oversight, compliance, and risk management within a single national-bank framework, subject to approval.

The filing itself does not authorize new products. Any expanded services would commence only after all required approvals are secured.

Why a de novo OCC national bank charter matters

Revolut shifted from exploring a U.S. bank acquisition to pursuing a de novo national charter to avoid legacy obligations, such as branch infrastructure, and to retain tighter control of its digital operating model, as reported by PYMNTS. The approach aligns with a digital-only footprint and a unified regulatory framework at the federal level.

Building from scratch may demand more upfront investment and time, but it can align product design, compliance, and technology from day one with OCC expectations. It also positions a single platform to scale nationally if approvals are granted.

Executives are framing the filing as a long-term commitment to the U.S. market and to regulated banking. “A key pillar of our global growth strategy” and a “major milestone toward our vision of building the world’s first truly global banking platform,” said Nik Storonsky, Co‑Founder and CEO, at Revolut.

Based on data from Revolut’s 2024 annual report, the company reported roughly $1.4 billion in pre‑tax profit, up 149% year over year, with growth partly tied to cryptocurrency trading. That financial performance could support capital and hiring needs for a de novo build, though it does not affect regulatory outcomes.

Timeline, risks, and customer impact if approved

OCC review steps and FDIC insurance considerations

The OCC will review Revolut’s application to assess capital, governance, risk, and compliance readiness. Timelines vary by applicant and there is no assurance of approval.

An OCC charter is distinct from deposit insurance. Any U.S. deposits would require appropriate approvals before FDIC insurance applies; filing alone does not confer insurance.

Changes for U.S. customers: deposits, lending, credit cards

If approved, Revolut could take deposits directly under a national charter and expand into lending and credit cards under a single, federally supervised entity. Product design and risk policies would be overseen within the bank itself.

U.S. customers could see a more integrated experience as functions move in‑house, though product availability, rates, and rollout timing would depend on final approvals. The extent and sequence of any launches would be determined by regulatory conditions and internal readiness.

Until then, Revolut’s U.S. services are expected to continue under existing arrangements, with no immediate change from the filing itself. Current customers should not expect service changes solely due to the application.