Nik Storonsky: Revolut IPO Timeline Teases Growth Strategy

Revolut is unlikely to transition to public markets for at least another two years, according to CEO Nik Storonsky. 

In a significant update to the firm's strategic roadmap, the fintech leader now expects an official listing to materialise around 2028. 

This timeframe suggests the company is prioritising a robust internal infrastructure and a wider global footprint before facing the scrutiny of the public markets.

Speaking to Bloomberg regarding the group’s long-term financial roadmap, Nik confirms the business remains “two years away” from a debut on the stock exchange.

He highlights that the transition is as much about institutional reputation as it is about capital.

“We’re a bank, and for a bank, it’s super important to have trust," Nik says. "Public companies are trusted more compared to private companies.”

The current strategy involves facilitating further secondary share sales prior to any formal IPO filing. 

Nik explains that these liquidity events, which typically occur every 12 to 24 months, provide a vital exit for early-stage backers and staff. 

Crucially, these transactions allow the company to remain private for a longer duration while its valuation continues to climb in a controlled environment.

Scaling the global footprint

With a user base exceeding 70 million across 100 nations, Revolut has successfully secured banking licences in key territories including Lithuania, the UK and Mexico, where it launched full operations in January 2026.

Following a secondary offering in late 2025 that valued the group at US$75bn, the company has intensified its hunt for global market share.

A pivotal moment arrived in March 2026 when the firm submitted applications for a national bank charter in the US with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Nik emphasises the strategic necessity of this move for Revolut's North American goals, where a direct licence is essential for innovation and scaling.

“Filing for a national bank charter is a major milestone toward our vision of building the world’s first truly global banking platform,” Nik says.

“This charter will give us the direct control needed to innovate faster and deliver the Revolut experience to millions more Americans as we move toward our goal of 100 million customers.”

Dominating the fintech landscape

The projected 2028 timeline aligns with the firm's aggressive fiscal performance.

After recording US$4bn in revenue and US$1.4bn in pre-tax profit during 2024, the group has continued its upward trajectory.

For the 2026 financial year, leadership projects revenue of US$9bn with net profits reaching US$3.5bn, positioning it as one of the most profitable entities in the sector.

Market analysts are closely monitoring these figures as valuation expectations continue to shift.

Following the US$75bn mark set by Coatue, Greenoaks, Dragoneer and Fidelity last year, reports suggest another secondary sale is being considered for late 2026. 

This could potentially push the company’s worth past the US$100bn threshold well before the IPO.

Industry speculation suggests Revolut may be holding out for an IPO valuation of US$150bn. 

At that level, the challenger bank would surpass the combined market capitalisation of traditional giants like Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Société Générale.

Nik, who retains nearly a third of the equity, is also subject to an incentive structure that triggers further grants should the firm hit a US$200bn milestone.

As the business matures, the focus remains on securing regulatory approval in the US to unlock the next phase of growth.

This expansion is central to the firm's ambition to hit 100 million customers. 

By maintaining its private status for now, Revolut continues to build the necessary infrastructure and trust required for a landmark public debut.

The two-year wait appears to be a calculated move to ensure the firm enters the market as a global banking powerhouse rather than just a digital disruptor.