The ECB steps in to curb Revolut’s growth in Europe
Brussels has called for compliance with the rules, given the ease with which the digital bank has launched new products in Europe
The European Central Bank has intervened to temporarily curb the expansion of Revolut in Europe, asking the British fintech firm to strengthen its internal control systems before proceeding with the launch of new financial products. This is reported by the Financial Times, which explains that the events took place during 2025.
According to the British newspaper, the ECB has imposed a series of restrictions on the institution, expressing concern about the speed with which the company was introducing new services and about the adequacy of its internal processes for assessing risks and regulatory compliance. The measures concerned the group’s European bank, which operates under a licence obtained in Lithuania. In particular, Revolut was required to suspend the launch of certain new products within the European Economic Area until the shortcomings identified by the supervisors had been rectified. The ECB is also reported to have requested an independent review of the risk management, compliance and legal control functions.
The action represents one of the most significant regulatory interventions targeting one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in recent years. Revolut ccurrently has around 75 million customers worldwide and recorded a pre-tax profit of approximately £1.7 billion in 2025, consolidating its position among Europe’s leading digital financial operators.
At the heart of the regulators’ concerns is reportedly the organisational model championed by the founder and CEO, Nik Storonsky. In the past, the manager had described the company’s employees as “self-guided missiles”, a term used to describe teams with a high degree of decision-making autonomy and capable of developing and launching products very quickly.
It is precisely this pace of execution, which has contributed to the company’s growth, that is said to have come into conflict with the control requirements expected of a banking group that has now reached systemic proportions. According to the Financial Times, the ECB’s action reflects the belief that a bank’s growth must go hand in hand with the strengthening of its governance, risk management and regulatory compliance structures.
