Revolut Lands French Banking Licence, Expands Reach Across Western Europe

Revolut, the fintech company known for its payment app, has secured a full banking licence in France. This milestone makes Revolut a proper bank across Western Europe's largest markets. The approval from France's ACPR and the European Central Bank covers a new entity, Revolut Bank S.A.

The French licence is significant as it adds to Revolut's existing banking licence in Lithuania, creating a dual-hub structure for the company. This move reduces its reliance on one small member state for the whole bloc. France was chosen due to its prestige and pragmatism, with Revolut planning to plant its Western European headquarters in Paris from 2027.

Revolut has pledged to invest more than €1bn in Western Europe and hire over 600 people across the region. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to serve an existing customer base rather than chasing new ones. With 30 million customers across Western Europe, eight million of whom joined in 2025 alone, Revolut can now offer credit, deposits, and other banking services.

The French licence unlocks lending capabilities for Revolut, which has made most of its money from fees and trading rather than loans. This is a competitive necessity as Revolut aims to close the gap with traditional banks by offering mortgages and regulated savings accounts.