European FinTech giants turn to direct application for US banking licenses, with Trump's relaxed regulatory policies serving as an accelerator

SerumDegen · 2026-01-23T05:40:10+00:00

Fintech company Revolut recently decided to apply directly for a US banking license, abandoning its plan to acquire a US bank. This move is due to the high costs and complex approval process associated with acquisitions, and the current regulatory environment favors direct application. Revolut is actively communicating with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in the United States, hoping to accelerate the approval process.

SerumDegen

2026-01-23 05:40:10

Abstract generation in progress

【Crypto World】The latest developments of Revolut, a well-known European fintech company, are worth paying attention to. The company originally planned to obtain a full-state operating license in the US through acquiring an American bank, but has now changed its mind—directly applying for a US banking license.

Why the shift? Revolut believes that acquisition is too fraught with pitfalls. Maintaining physical branches costs money, and ownership changes require multiple layers of approval—these costs and processes are obstacles.

Another key factor is the current environment. Under the relaxed regulatory policies of the Trump administration, applying directly might actually be faster. Revolut is in close communication with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), aiming to leverage this policy window to accelerate the approval process. This also reflects fintech companies’ keen sensitivity to subtle changes in the US regulatory landscape—sometimes, taking a detour is the shortcut.

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BoredApeResistance

· 01-26 05:27

Taking a detour is actually a shortcut; this understanding is spot on. Currently, this point is indeed a window period.

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SeasonedInvestor

· 01-25 08:34

Hey, this move is really clever, applying for a license is much faster than an acquisition. Revolut played this hand well, taking advantage of the regulatory window to make a move. Interesting, Trump’s actions have indeed eased the pressure on fintech this time. Wait, does this mean other European companies should also be itching to act? Is it really that easy to get a US banking license? It doesn’t seem risk-free. Applying for a license vs. acquisition, how much money could be saved by the price difference? Winning big. The key is, has OCC really changed its attitude now? Need to keep an eye on it. This is what is called catching the right rhythm, Revolut has figured it out.

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FalseProfitProphet

· 01-24 11:56

Haha, Trump really gave fintech the green light this time. Revolut's move is like taking a shortcut; acquiring that route is indeed too costly. Getting approval from the OCC can also speed things up; once the regulatory attitude changes, everything becomes clear. This approval is probably a trend indicator; there should be quite a few followers afterward.

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liquidation_watcher

· 01-23 06:07

Taking a detour as a shortcut, this move is impressive.

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CascadingDipBuyer

· 01-23 06:05

This move by Revolut is really brilliant; applying for a license directly is much more cost-effective than an acquisition.

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AlphaBrain

· 01-23 05:56

Haha, Trump really gave FinTech the green light this time Revolut's move was brilliant; the acquisition route is indeed a trap The window of relaxed regulation won't last long, so it's best to seize the opportunity early

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TokenRationEater

· 01-23 05:53

Smart move, this wave indeed took advantage of the regulatory window period for bottom fishing.

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