Revolut's $75B Valuation Ignites IPO Speculation and Staff Cash-Out Hopes

Revolut, the UK-based fintech company, has reached a valuation of $75 billion following a secondary share sale, marking a significant increase from its previous valuation of $45 billion in late 2024. This development has created a potential windfall for employees, who are now able to sell up to 20% of their personal holdings to new or existing investors. The company has not specified the exact timeline for when payouts will be distributed but has indicated that the process will continue over the coming weeks with expected distributions in early autumn. Each share is priced at $1,381.06 as part of the sale, which further solidifies Revolut’s position among the most valuable fintech companies globally [1].

Revolut’s financial performance has shown considerable growth, with its annual profits increasing by over 150% in 2024 to £1 billion. This surge in profitability has been attributed to rising subscriptions and revenues from the company’s wealth and crypto trading divisions. The valuation increase follows a separate share sale in late 2024 that provided its founder and chief executive, Nik Storonsky, with a $200 million to $300 million windfall. Reports suggest that Storonsky could be set to gain a multibillion-dollar fortune if Revolut’s valuation reaches $150 billion [1].

The timing of the secondary share sale has raised questions about the company’s long-anticipated stock market debut. Some industry analysts speculate that the move could indicate either the imminent launch of an initial public offering (IPO) or growing pressure among employees for liquidity as they seek to cash out their equity in the firm. The potential IPO has yet to be confirmed, and the company has not disclosed further details. Analyst Kathleen Brooks from XTB suggested that the sale might reflect employee frustration over the lack of an IPO and a desire to unlock value immediately [1].

Revolut has previously considered the United States as a potential listing destination for its IPO, citing the regulatory environment and the size of the US market as advantages. A New York listing would pose a challenge to the London Stock Exchange, which has faced increasing competition from other international exchanges. The UK’s slow progress in granting Revolut a full banking license has also contributed to this shift in focus. Revolut has been operating on a restricted UK banking license since July 2024 and has yet to receive approval for a full license that would allow it to offer services such as loans and mortgages. The company has addressed past accounting issues and EU regulatory breaches and has made efforts to improve its corporate culture as part of the licensing process [1].

Chancellor Rachel Reeves attempted to facilitate a meeting between Revolut and UK regulators earlier this year but was unsuccessful due to concerns from the Bank of England about maintaining regulatory independence. The fintech firm continues to navigate regulatory challenges while aiming to expand its product offerings and market reach. With its valuation now reaching $75 billion, Revolut faces a pivotal moment as it considers its next steps in the capital markets and the broader financial landscape [1].

Source:

[1] Revolut valuation jumps to $75bn with staff set for payout opportunity (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/01/revolut-valuation-jumps-75bn-staff-set-for-payout-opportunity)