Neobanks in Europe


The development of neobanks in Europe is a trend in the European financial landscape beginning in the 2010s. Neobanks are a type of digital-only bank that offer financial services primarily through mobile and web applications, with little or no reliance on physical branches. The trend was driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and supportive regulatory frameworks. Neobanks provide a range of services, including personal accounts, loans, and payment services, with a focus on user-friendly interfaces, low fees, and innovative features.
In 2024, as a part of Instant Payments Regulation, European authorities made a significant step to level the regulatory field for neobanks. Before that, many neobanks who didn't have a bank status couldn't access central bank-operated payment systems like TARGET. TARGET Services are essential to many money-transferring operations. With this new regulation, non-bank payment service providers meeting certain requirements can connect to these systems. The initiative should help neobanks and fintechs to provide instant credit transfers in euros and compete with traditional banks.

Growth of Neobanks in Europe

The neobank industry in Europe has experienced rapid growth in the 2010s, with several new companies entering the market and attracting millions of customers. Key factors of their growth include:
  1. Technology advancements: The widespread adoption of smartphones and high-speed internet has made it easier for consumers to access banking services through digital channels, paving the way for the rise of neobanks.
  2. Changing consumer preferences: As consumers increasingly demand personalized, user-friendly experiences, neobanks have capitalized on this trend by offering innovative financial products and services tailored to the digital age.
  3. Supportive regulatory environment: The European Union's Revised Payment Services Directive has facilitated the entry of non-traditional financial players, such as neobanks, into the market by enabling third-party providers to access customer account data from traditional banks with customer consent. This has allowed neobanks to develop innovative solutions and compete with established banks.