September 30, 2025 – Nubank (NYSE: NU), one of the world’s largest digital financial services platforms with nearly 123 million customers, has applied for a U.S. national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The move marks a major step in the company’s plan to evolve from a regional leader into a global financial services model.
Founder and CEO David Vélez emphasized that Nubank remains focused on growth in its core markets—Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia—while positioning itself to serve U.S. customers with products including deposits, credit cards, lending, and digital asset custody. Earlier this year, Nu Mexico secured regulatory approval to operate as a bank, awaiting its final operational clearance.
Cristina Junqueira, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, has relocated to the U.S. to lead the new business as CEO, supported by a board featuring notable financial leaders, including former Brazilian Central Bank President Roberto Campos Neto and former Acting U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks.
With a record $3.7 billion in Q2 2025 revenue and continued profitability, Nubank’s expansion signals its intent to responsibly innovate and scale in one of the world’s most competitive financial markets.
