Top Fintech Stocks to Buy With $2,000 in 2025 for Long-Term Growth

The fintech sector in 2025 is at a transformative inflection point, driven by rapid digital adoption in emerging markets and the integration of AI-driven financial services. For investors seeking long-term growth with a focus on risk-adjusted returns, the opportunities are abundant-but require a strategic lens. Emerging markets, in particular, are reshaping the global financial landscape, with cross-border payments, embedded finance, and open banking models unlocking new value. Here's how to allocate $2,000 wisely in 2025.

1. DLocal (DLA): The Cross-Border Payments Powerhouse

DLocal has emerged as a critical enabler for global merchants operating in underdeveloped financial ecosystems. In Q2 2025, the company reported a record Total Payment Volume of $9.2 billion, a 53% year-over-year increase, and revenue of $256.5 million, surpassing estimates by a significant margin. Its platform bridges the gap between international e-commerce and local payment methods in markets like Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia, where underbanked populations represent a $4.2 trillion digital payments opportunity by 2030. Analysts have upgraded their outlooks to "Moderate Buy," citing DLocal's scalable infrastructure and recurring revenue model. For $2,000, investors can secure exposure to a company poised to capitalize on the digitization of emerging markets.

2. Nu Holdings (NU): Latin America's Digital Banking Disruptor

Nu Holdings has redefined financial inclusion in Latin America with its low-cost, app-based model. The company serves over 123 million customers, leveraging AI to offer hyper-personalized services ranging from credit scoring to real-time fraud detection. Its Q2 2025 results highlighted a 43% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by a surge in digital wallet adoption and embedded finance partnerships. With Brazil's MSCI index rising over 13% in Q2 2025 due to easing inflation and fiscal reforms, Nu is well-positioned to benefit from macroeconomic tailwinds. At a P/E ratio of 22, the stock offers a compelling balance of growth and valuation.

3. PayPal Holdings (PYPL): Undervalued Global Fintech Giant

Despite facing competition from digital wallets and BNPL platforms, PayPal remains a cornerstone of global fintech. With 432 million active users and a P/E ratio of 20-significantly lower than Visa's 32-PayPal is trading at a discount to its intrinsic value according to financial analysis. The company's recent foray into embedded finance and AI-driven underwriting positions it to capture market share in underserved segments. For investors prioritizing risk-adjusted returns, PayPal's diversified ecosystem and strong cash flow make it a resilient long-term play.

4. American Express (AXP): Premium Fintech with Steady Returns

American Express, often overlooked in fintech discussions, has demonstrated robust financial health in 2025. The company reported $65.95 billion in revenue and a pricetobook ratio of 7.12, reflecting a stable balance sheet and disciplined growth strategy. Its Amex Ads initiative and AI-powered customer engagement tools are enhancing loyalty in a competitive landscape. While its P/E ratio of 23.22 is higher than PayPal's, Amex's dividend yield of 1.6% and strong net write-off rate improvements in Q3 2025 justify its inclusion for conservative investors seeking income and capital appreciation.

5. SoFi Technologies (SOFI): The Land-and-Expand Play

SoFi's transformation from a student loan platform to a full-service digital bank has accelerated in 2025. The company showed a 65% year-to-date stock surge in Q2, driven by a 43% revenue increase and a land-and-expand strategy that boosts cross-selling. Its focus on embedded finance-partnering with employers and platforms to offer financial services-aligns with the sector's shift toward seamless integration. At a forward P/E of 18, SoFi represents a high-growth, high-risk bet for $2,000 allocations.

The Bigger Picture: Trends Shaping Fintech in 2025

• AI and Automation: AI now powers underwriting, cybersecurity, and customer personalization, cutting costs and improving margins.
• Embedded Finance: By integrating financial services into non-financial platforms, companies like DLocal and SoFi are reducing distribution costs and expanding reach according to industry analysis.
• Emerging Market Momentum: India's MSCI index surged 9.2% in Q2 2025, while Brazil's rebound highlights the sector's macroeconomic resilience according to market reports.

Risks to Consider

While the opportunities are compelling, investors must weigh regulatory shifts, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks in emerging markets. Diversifying across geographies and sectors-such as pairing DLocal with PayPal-can mitigate these challenges.

For a $2,000 portfolio, allocating funds across DLocal, Nu, PayPal, and SoFi offers exposure to both high-growth and stable fintech players. By leveraging the digital transformation of emerging markets and the sector's AI-driven innovations, investors can build a resilient, long-term portfolio.