Revolut's Profits Soar to £1.7bn Amid AI and Crypto Reputational Risks
Revolut Profits Hit £1.7bn as AI and Crypto Pose Risks

The UK-based fintech giant Revolut has announced a significant 57% increase in pre-tax profits for the year 2025, reaching an impressive £1.7 billion. This financial milestone comes as the company expands its global footprint, adding 16 million individual customers to bring its total user base to 68.3 million worldwide. In the UK alone, Revolut now serves 13 million customers, while its business clientele grew by a third to 767,000.

Revolut's Growth and Global Ambitions

Revolut's revenues climbed 46% to £4.5 billion in 2025, driven by rapid expansion and technological innovation. The company, which recently secured a UK banking licence after a five-year regulatory wait, is now operating as a licensed bank in over 30 of its 40 global markets. It has applied for a banking licence in the United States this month, signalling a major push into the American market.

Chief Executive Nik Storonsky, who founded Revolut in 2015, described the past year as a "landmark" period. He emphasised that the company's technology-driven model is fueling its growth, with ambitions to reach 100 million customers globally by mid-next year. Revolut has begun rolling out current accounts to a select group of new UK customers, with plans for a gradual expansion.

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Reputational Risks from Energy-Intensive Sectors

Despite its financial success, Revolut has issued a stark warning in its 2025 annual report about potential backlash related to its support for energy-intensive activities. The company highlighted artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency trading, particularly bitcoin mining, as areas that could pose "reputational risks." These sectors demand substantial electricity, with energy prices soaring due to recent geopolitical tensions, such as the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

In the risks section of the report, Revolut noted that shifting public attitudes towards the carbon footprint of high-profile cryptocurrencies and AI datacentres might affect demand for its services. The company offers crypto trading, which adds to its exposure in this volatile area.

Climate and Operational Resilience

Revolut acknowledged that climate-related transition risks could impact its financial and operational resilience. However, it believes its digital-first approach and focus on financial inclusion might provide some insulation. The company suggested it could even benefit from an orderly energy transition compared to traditional financial institutions.

Looking ahead, Revolut plans to diversify its offerings with a wider array of banking services, including lending products. It entered the home loan market by launching mortgage refinancing in Lithuania last May and reports that one in five working-age adults in Europe now uses its platform.

Internal Systems and Staff Management

The annual report also detailed Revolut's internal "Karma" system, which tracks staff behaviour by granting or docking points that influence bonus payouts. The company has reviewed this framework to standardise point allocation and improve transparency for employees regarding variable remuneration.

Valued at $75 billion in a recent fundraising round, Revolut continues to innovate while navigating the complexities of global finance and environmental concerns.

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