Headline: Revolut flags reputational risk from energy‑hungry crypto and AI as profits surge
Revolut has warned that its support for energy‑intensive sectors — including cryptocurrency services and artificial intelligence — could trigger a public backlash, even as the fintech reported a bumper year of growth and profitability.
In its 2025 annual report the UK‑born app said pre‑tax profit rose 57% to £1.7bn, with revenue climbing 46% to £4.5bn. Revolut added 16 million individual customers over the year to reach 68.3 million globally (13 million in the UK), while business accounts grew a third to 767,000. The company is targeting 100 million users by mid‑next year.
Why crypto users should care
Revolut is a major fiat‑to‑crypto onramp for retail customers across its footprint, and the firm explicitly singled out “energy‑intensive activities” — naming artificial intelligence, metals mining and the carbon footprint of high‑profile cryptocurrencies — as potential reputational and demand risks. The note reflects rising scrutiny of industries that consume large volumes of electricity, such as Bitcoin mining and AI datacentres, particularly after recent spikes in energy prices driven by geopolitical tensions.
Revolut’s view is nuanced: while it acknowledged that climate‑related transition risks could affect its financial and operational resilience, the company argued its digital‑first model and focus on financial inclusion may leave it “relatively insulated” or even better positioned than traditional banks during an orderly energy transition.
Banking push and global expansion
After a five‑year regulatory wait, Revolut can now operate as a fully fledged UK bank and said it is a licensed bank in more than 30 of the 40 markets where it operates. The group has started a gradual rollout of current accounts to a small number of new UK customers, has applied for a US banking licence this month, and plans to broaden its banking product suite — from lending to mortgages and other services. It already began offering mortgage refinancing in Lithuania last May.
Corporate governance and culture
The annual report also disclosed that Revolut tracks staff behaviour with an internal “Karma” points system that influences bonus payouts. The company said it has reviewed the framework to standardise point allocation and make the process and its impact on variable pay clearer to employees.
Scale and valuation
Revolut’s growth story is substantial: it claims one in five working‑age adults in Europe use its services, and its $75bn valuation from last year’s fundraising underpins ambitions to expand product lines and geographies.
What this means for crypto markets
For crypto investors and users, Revolut’s warning is a signal that reputational and regulatory pressures around energy use could shape product demand and company strategy — potentially influencing how mainstream fintechs package, promote or even restrict access to certain crypto services as public and policy sentiment evolves. Revolut’s balancing act — growing a broad banking business while managing ESG risks tied to energy consumption — will be one to watch.
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