Dutch neobank Bunq accelerates US expansion plan after second year of profitability

Dutch neobank Bunq, Europe’s second-largest digital bank, is gearing up to expand across the Atlantic. The fintech company has filed for a broker-dealer licence with US regulators, completing the first phase of its two-step expansion strategy.

The licence will allow Bunq to offer American users investment options — stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds — alongside cash management tools. These will include features like automatic transfers and Mastercard-backed debit cards.

However, Bunq isn’t diving into the deep end just yet. This phased approach lets the company gather real-world data and user feedback before it applies for a full US banking licence later this year, Bunq said.

A US banking licence would let Bunq operate like a fully regulated American bank. It would be able to offer checking and savings accounts, hold deposits directly, and issue credit.

Ali Niknam, Bunq’s founder and CEO — who will share his company’s story at ...