Digital bank Revolut is taking a step forward to manage its own strategy in the capital markets by expanding its internal team dedicated to secondary share sales. Rather than relying on traditional Wall Street investment banks, the company is hiring additional talent to handle these transactions in-house, building on the success of a recent self-managed deal that propelled its valuation to $75 billion.
Secondary share sales allow existing shareholders—often employees, early investors, or other stakeholders—to sell portions of their holdings to new buyers without issuing fresh shares or diluting ownership.
These liquidity events have become increasingly important for private companies delaying initial public offerings (IPOs), enabling talent retention and rewarding long-term contributors amid extended private status.
In the past, Revolut collaborated with major banks like Morgan Stanley, which served as the sole placement agent during a 2024 secondary sale that valued the company at $45 billion.
That transaction provided crucial employee liquidity and attracted a mix of new and existing investors.
However, the fintech has since shifted gears. It assembled a small internal group in London and New York to orchestrate deals independently.
As reported by Bloomberg, this approach culminated in a highly successful in-house secondary transaction last year, which dramatically boosted the company’s valuation from $45 billion to $75 billion—a roughly 67% increase.
The deal drew participation from prominent investors such as Coatue, Greenoaks, Dragoneer, Fidelity Management & Research Co., and others, while allowing employees to offload up to about 20% of their vested shares at favorable terms.
The latest move underscores Revolut’s growing confidence in its capabilities. According to job postings and reports, the company is strengthening its corporate development team in its London headquarters.
It is actively recruiting professionals with strong backgrounds, such as investment bankers, asset managers, or those experienced in venture capital.
These hires will oversee not only secondary share sales but also broader strategic activities, including potential mergers and acquisitions.
By handling these processes internally, Revolut aims to maintain greater control, reduce reliance on external intermediaries, and potentially lower costs associated with hefty banking fees.
This strategy aligns with a broader trend among high-growth private companies seeking to extend their time outside public markets while still offering liquidity to stakeholders.
As Revolut continues its rapid expansion—with plans to reach 100 million customers globally and enter new markets—it appears intent on keeping corporate finance matters closer to home.
The decision reflects the maturity of Revolut’s operations under CEO Nik Storonsky.
What began as somewhat of a digital banking disruptor has evolved into one of Europe’s most valuable private tech firms, rivaling established players in scale and scope of operations.
Staying private longer while self-managing key financial transactions positions Revolut to navigate future growth on its own terms, potentially setting a precedent for other fintechs.