Digital banking (also known as neo-banking, virtual banking, cyber banking) is a type of banking service carried out exclusively via the Internet using an electronic roaming model, without a traditional physical branch network.
The foundation of digital banking is digital networks, and call centers, internet banking and mobile banking are just an addition to this foundation. The term “digital banking” or neo-banking was first coined by Chris Skinner in his book “Digital Banking”, published in the USA in 2014.
There are several large research companies in the fintech market that strive to inform users about the development of this area, including digital banking. After analyzing many such reviews, we can compile a list of the best digital banks in Europe.
N26
Berlin-based neobank N26 is a favorite of many analysts and, along with Revolut, is considered one of the most popular banks in Europe. The company has more than 7 million clients, and it ranks second among the most valuable banks in Germany (capitalization – $9 billion, according to monito.com).
The company is currently in the process of raising a $1.7 billion Series E. N26 could be the best new banking option in terms of combining financial management and insurance packages.
The digital bank also partners with Wise, which allows international money transfers within the app, and its exchange rates are among the best on the market.
However, N26 had some problems with financial authorities, which hampered its development and led to fines. Inexplicably closing customer accounts also undermines its reputation.
Revolut
Founded in 2015 by Nikolai Stronsky and Vlad Yatsenko, this London-based digital banking giant offers a one-stop solution to financial problems. For example, users can invest in all types of assets – from traditional stocks to precious metals and cryptocurrencies.
Over the past few years, the new bank has become a leader in affordable online financial services in Europe. Experts estimate that the company's enterprise value is $33 billion. Its customer base is rapidly expanding and currently stands at 18 million.
London fintech is recognized as a first-class company not only in Europe, but also in many other countries.
Bunq
This new bank, based in Amsterdam, was founded by Ali Niamh in 2012 and today has 5.4 million customers. This online bank does not offer free accounts; many of its services are paid. This alone speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of its services.
In addition to features such as local IBAN account opening, convenient investing and mortgage lending (Bunq was the first digital bank in Europe to offer such services), Bunq also places a strong focus on sustainable banking. To date, the company has raised €237.9 million in Series A funding. With a valuation of $1.9 billion, BUNQ has achieved unicorn status in the Fintech Champions League.
Yuh
This new Swiss bank, run by Swissquote and PostFinance, can handle multiple currencies. Users can store balances in 13 currencies in the app, including euros, dollars, and pounds sterling.
There is also a built-in trading platform for trading stocks (over 200) and cryptocurrencies (25). With access to Switzerland and all neighboring EU/EEA countries, many analysts consider Yoo an ideal solution for travelers.
The advantages of Neobank also include first-class customer service.
Tomorrow Bank
Tomorrow is a Hamburg-based fintech company founded by Ines Nureldin in 2017 and part of the German bank Solaris Bank. Its clients are 117,000 people.
The new bank has abandoned its profit motive and focused on sustainability, meaning it lends to and promotes renewable energy sources, including solar power, wind power and sustainable agriculture.
Customers can choose from three fixed accounts: The first two come with a plastic Visa debit card, and the premium account comes with a wooden card.
This list should have included another powerful online bank - Nuri : founded in 2015, Nuri was a powerful online bank that went bankrupt in August 2015, which united the world of digital banking and cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn lucrative passive income as cryptocurrency investors.
The Nuri was funded through Series B and received a total of €42.3 million in investments. Serving more than 400 thousand clients, it is safe to say that Nuri has been an established player in the European digital banking scene.
Comments