Nik Storonsky, founder and CEO of the digital banking firm Revolut, is reportedly in talks over a pay package that could significantly increase his ownership stake in the company, potentially making him one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals. The discussions focus on a new incentive deal that would grant Storonsky a substantial stock windfall if Revolut achieves specific valuation milestones.
Revolut, established in 2015, is currently undergoing a secondary share sale that values the fintech at approximately $115 billion (£85 billion). Under the proposed deal, Storonsky’s ownership could rise sharply if the company’s valuation reaches targeted levels. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the incentive scheme would be structured to trigger share awards as Revolut surpasses pre-agreed valuation thresholds, similar to Storonsky’s existing package.
Currently Revolut’s largest shareholder with around 29 percent ownership, Storonsky has previously outlined an arrangement where he could expand his stake to about 40 percent if the company reaches a valuation of $200 billion (£148 billion). This scenario could put the value of his shares at roughly £57 billion. The new discussions reportedly involve raising the valuation target to $500 billion, which would further increase his potential holding and wealth in line with the company’s growth.
The valuation targets and incentive structures reflect Revolut’s rapid expansion and ambitious growth strategy. The fintech now serves approximately 75 million customers across 40 countries and has seen profits and revenues rise substantially. In the past year, Revolut posted pre-tax profits of £1.7 billion on revenues of €4.5 billion ($5 billion), fueled largely by growth in premium services such as travel insurance, currency exchange, and savings products.
Revolut’s recent milestones include securing a full UK banking licence in March, which is considered crucial for its international ambitions. Since then, the company has obtained approval for an Australian banking licence and is in the process of applying for similar status in the United States.
Among its investors are notable entities such as Index Ventures, Balderton Capital, DST Global, Ribbit Capital, the UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, and Jared Kushner’s private equity firm Affinity. Revolut’s management has indicated ambitions of an initial public offering (IPO), with previous reports suggesting the company aims for a valuation around $200 billion as part of that process.
The type of pay deal being discussed—linking equity awards to predetermined valuation targets—is common in U.S. technology firms but less so among European startups. If finalized, Storonsky’s package could become the largest of its kind in Europe. Revolut declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.