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Revolut at Risk of Missing UK Bank License Deadline Amid Regulatory Frustrations
Revolut is facing renewed regulatory pressure in the UK, with insiders warning the digital banking firm may miss a key milestone in its bid to become a fully authorised British bank. The neobank, valued at $45 billion, is reportedly struggling to complete the final stage of the UK banking license process, triggering concerns over whether its “mobilisation” period will conclude on time.
According to reporting by City A.M., multiple sources close to the matter have raised doubts about the company’s ability to meet the expected July 25 end date for its 12-month provisional period. The mobilisation phase, which began after Revolut secured preliminary approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in 2024, is intended to act as a transitional phase before full authorisation is granted.
Although the PRA’s deadline is not statutory, official guidance makes clear that mobilisation “should not take longer than 12 months” and that extensions are not routinely granted. If a firm is unable to meet regulatory expectations by the end of the period, the PRA may revoke the provisional authorisation or the applicant may choose to withdraw.
Growing Complexity Complicates Final Approval
Revolut’s global scale is widely seen as one of the main obstacles in this process. With more than 500,000 UK customers already in place at the time of its license application, the company is the largest entity to undergo this particular authorisation path.
A source quoted by City A.M. suggested that the scale of the business has created unique challenges not previously encountered by regulators or applicants. These complexities span operational systems, compliance infrastructure, capital requirements, and senior leadership recruitment — all mandatory criteria to secure final approval.
A spokesperson for Revolut stated the firm is focused on meeting the necessary regulatory standards, rather than targeting a specific deadline. They added that the company is working “constructively” with the PRA and that its mobilisation phase represents “the largest and most complex” process of its kind in the UK to date.
Chair Signals Operations May Begin in 2025
In its most recent annual report, Revolut’s chair Martin Gilbert indicated that the company expects to formally begin operations as a licensed UK bank “during 2025,” suggesting a timeline beyond the current July 2025 milestone. The report did not provide an updated timeframe but implied that preparations are ongoing and that the licence remains a core goal for the company’s domestic business.
The mobilisation phase includes several key components required for final authorisation. These include securing adequate capital reserves, implementing full IT infrastructure, appointing senior risk and compliance officers, and establishing a governance framework capable of meeting PRA standards. Until these conditions are satisfied, Revolut remains in a probationary state.
The delay follows a report by the Financial Times that Revolut has not yet received approval for a consumer credit license in the UK — another hurdle that may affect the scope of its future retail offerings in the market.
Domestic Hurdles Shift Focus to International Growth
As domestic licensing delays continue, sources cited by City A.M. indicated that Revolut is increasingly directing its efforts toward international expansion. The company has previously expressed frustration with what it sees as excessive regulatory complexity in the UK.
CEO Nik Storonsky has been particularly vocal on the issue, previously criticising Britain’s regulatory environment.
In May, Revolut named Paris as its new Western European headquarters, citing regulatory clarity as key factors in the decision. At the same time, the company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining London as a global base of operations, though the shift highlighted the firm’s growing discontent with the UK’s regulatory pace.
Chief banking officer Sid Jajodia praised France’s framework for digital banking, adding that it supports Revolut’s long-term strategy across the continent. These comments, paired with delays in the UK, have raised questions about where the firm sees its future growth anchored.
Fintech Pressure Grows as Expectations Mount
Revolut’s regulatory challenges come at a time when the fintech sector is under increasing scrutiny from financial watchdogs around the world. As digital banks move beyond app-based transactions and seek full-service status, expectations around governance, risk, and operational standards have risen sharply.
The UK’s Prudential Regulation Authority has made clear that mobilisation is not a soft target, and that banks must meet high standards before entering the market fully. For Revolut, the delay adds to a list of unresolved licensing goals, including its long-pending application for a full banking licence in the United States.
The firm’s aggressive growth, wide product range, and global footprint make it a unique case — one that does not fit easily into existing regulatory models. But with the UK licence still in limbo, questions are emerging about whether its home market will remain a central pillar in its future roadmap.
As it continues to expand into new regions and develop banking capabilities across multiple jurisdictions, the company faces a dual challenge: sustaining momentum while satisfying increasingly complex regulatory frameworks.
Whether the UK licence arrives in weeks or months, the message is clear — fintech’s next chapter will be built not just on innovation, but on regulation, execution, and trust.
