Revolut Eyes 10M French Users With $1.1 Billion Expansion Strategy

Key Insights:

• Revolut will invest €1B in France, set up EU HQ in Paris, and hire 200 staff by 2027.
• Revolut to seek French banking license as France becomes its largest EU market with 5M users.
• Bitcoin Lightning support launches on Revolut via Lightspark for U.K. and select EU users.

Revolut has announced a plan to invest over €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in France. The company also aims to establish a new EU headquarters in Paris and apply for a French banking license. This move comes as France becomes Revolut’s top European market with five million users.

The company shared its strategy at the Choose France business summit held at the Palace of Versailles and hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Over the next three years, Revolut will hire at least 200 people and expand its services in the country.

Expansion in France and New EU Headquarters

Revolut will base its new Western European headquarters in Paris. It plans to deepen its operations in France with the new office. France already has the company’s highest number of users within the European Union.

The firm said it would invest the €1 billion over three years. It also confirmed that the office will serve as a central hub for its growth plans across Europe. The expansion will include hiring new staff and expanding product offerings like trading, loans, and crypto services.

The investment marks Revolut’s largest country-focused commitment in the EU to date. According to a company representative, “France is a key part of our European growth plans. We are committed to long-term success here.”

French Banking License and Regulatory Oversight

Revolut is preparing to apply for a full banking license with the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) in France. This comes after the regulator encouraged the company to seek a local permit to improve supervision.

The license will allow Revolut to offer a wider range of financial products under French banking laws. At present, Revolut operates in France using a license from Lithuania’s central bank, which allows services across the European Economic Area.

The application is part of the company’s broader plan to secure banking licenses in key regions. Revolut already has a banking license in Lithuania and obtained a U.K. banking license in July 2024. The company also has ten license applications in progress globally.

User Growth Targets and Employment Plans

Revolut aims to double its French user base from five million to 10 million by late 2026. It also plans to reach 20 million users in France by 2030. The company reported 55 million users worldwide as of May 2025.

In order to achieve this goal, the business will add more than 200 positions in France by the end of three years. They will assist the company’s operations, compliance, and product development in the nation.

This move is in line with Revolut’s effort to grow throughout Europe. The company’s management feels France can help it attract more users and strengthen its digital banking services.

Bitcoin Lightning Network and Global Licensing

Revolut has also introduced Bitcoin Lightning Network support in Europe through a partnership with Lightspark. The service enables faster and cheaper Bitcoin payments and is now live for U.K. and some EU users.

Lightspark’s system, called MoneyGrid, allows near-instant payments across more than 140 countries. It improves the speed and cost of Bitcoin transactions and supports everyday use of cryptocurrency on Revolut’s platform.

Meanwhile, Revolut has also received a Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) license from the Reserve Bank of India. This license permits cross-border remittance and forex card services in the Indian market. The company plans to launch services in Mexico as well.

Revolut’s CEO, Nik Storonsky, has stated that earlier delays in securing licenses were not ideal. The company now sees license acquisition as central to its global expansion. Revolut had about 10,000 employees as of the end of 2024 and generated £3.1 billion ($4 billion) in revenue last year.