Revolut gets approval to operate as a bank in Argentina

The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic has approved the acquisition of Banco Cetelem, owned by the BNP Paribas group, by the British firm Revolut. According to a post on the account of Clarín on the social network X on September 25, 2026, the entity will operate under the name Revolut Bank Argentina and will hold the license needed to take deposits and extend loans in the country.

In general terms, the acquisition of an existing financial institution allows a new competitor to enter the market using a structure and a license already regulated by the monetary authority. This mechanism facilitates a direct operational entry into the system.

Meanwhile, Central Bank director Juan Curutchet said at a financial sector event that firms will obtain their licenses before the end of this year, according to Bloomberg Línea on September 24, 2026.

The entry of new digital players into the banking sector tends to boost competition in the deposit and lending markets. The formal start of operations by Revolut Bank Argentina under its new regulated license will show the real scope of this authorization in the financial system.