French B2B neobank Qonto reaches 600,000 customers, files for banking license

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July 3, 2025, 4:00 AM

• •Qonto, a French fintech startup, has applied for a banking license to expand its services to include lending, savings, and investment options for its customers.
• •The company currently operates with a payment institution license, which has allowed it to expand into several European markets and reach 600,000 customers.
• •Becoming a credit institution would enable Qonto to offer more comprehensive financial solutions and potentially attract more customers, while also generating new revenue streams.
• •Qonto's CEO cites profitability and the desire for greater independence and faster product launches as key drivers behind pursuing the banking license.

Qonto, a French fintech company, is seeking a banking license to broaden its financial offerings to customers. Currently operating under a payment institution license, Qonto aims to provide lending, savings, and investment options, enhancing its competitiveness in the market. With profitability achieved ahead of schedule in 2023, Qonto seeks more independence and faster product innovation. Despite potential challenges, Qonto's application for a banking license marks a strategic move toward expanding its services and securing its place in the financial industry.

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