After a quiet period in public markets, 2025 is shaping up to be a potential comeback year for fintech initial public offerings (IPOs). Following the market correction of 2022–2024, investor confidence is gradually returning, and several high-profile fintechs are gearing up to make their debut on major exchanges.
As profitability replaces hypergrowth as the new benchmark, fintech firms that have refined their business models and demonstrated resilience during the economic slowdown are now ready to go public. Here are some of the most anticipated fintech IPOs to watch in the coming year — and what their listings could mean for the broader market.
1. The Rebound of the Fintech IPO Market
The fintech IPO market slowed significantly after 2021’s boom, when companies like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Affirm went public amid high valuations. However, rising interest rates and investor caution in 2023–2024 cooled enthusiasm.
Now, conditions are shifting:
- Valuations have normalized, attracting long-term institutional investors.
- Profitability-focused fintechs are in a stronger financial position.
- Public markets are stabilizing, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
According to market analysts, 2026 could see a wave of listings from late-stage fintechs, particularly in payments, digital banking, and B2B finance infrastructure.
2. Fintech IPO Candidates to Watch
a. Stripe
One of the most highly anticipated IPOs in tech history, Stripe continues to top investor watchlists. After years of speculation, the payments giant — valued at over $50 billion in private markets — is reportedly exploring a 2026 listing.
With a strong global presence and diversified product suite in payments, billing, and banking-as-a-service, Stripe’s IPO could reignite fintech enthusiasm in public markets.
Key strength: Dominant position in global payment infrastructure.
Watch for: How Stripe positions itself amid growing competition from Adyen, PayPal, and new B2B platforms.
b. Revolut
The UK-based neobank Revolut has seen explosive growth, offering multi-currency accounts, crypto trading, and investing tools. After reaching profitability in recent quarters, Revolut has been eyeing a listing, potentially in London or New York.
Key strength: Global user base exceeding 40 million and expanding financial ecosystem.
Watch for: Regulatory scrutiny and compliance with banking licenses in key markets.
c. Klarna
After slashing its valuation during the 2022–2023 downturn, Klarna — the Swedish buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) pioneer — has made a strong recovery. The company’s renewed focus on profitability, AI-driven credit risk management, and cost control could make it a prime IPO candidate.
Key strength: Brand recognition and BNPL leadership in Europe and the U.S.
Watch for: Investor appetite for BNPL firms given regulatory tightening.
d. Chime
U.S.-based Chime, known for its fee-free digital banking model, has weathered funding challenges and economic headwinds by cutting costs and focusing on retention. With over 15 million customers, it remains one of America’s most prominent neobanks.
Key strength: Strong brand loyalty and diversified digital banking offerings.
Watch for: Profitability trajectory and competition from traditional banks’ digital arms.
e. Plaid
A critical player in financial data infrastructure, Plaid connects banks and fintech apps through APIs — powering the open banking movement. After its merger with Visa fell through in 2021, Plaid continued to grow independently and could finally pursue an IPO as it expands globally.
Key strength: Integral role in fintech connectivity and compliance solutions.
Watch for: Growth in enterprise partnerships and expansion into new regions.
3. Regional IPO Highlights
While U.S. fintechs continue to dominate headlines, other regions are contributing to the pipeline:
- Middle East: Companies like UAE’s Tabby and Saudi Arabia’s STC Pay are rumored to explore regional listings amid strong consumer fintech growth.
- Asia-Pacific: Singapore’s Nium and India’s Pine Labs are preparing for potential IPOs after expanding into cross-border payments and business finance.
- Europe: Startups like Monzo and Wise (expanding secondary listings) signal the continued maturity of Europe’s fintech scene.
4. What These IPOs Mean for the Fintech Sector
The next wave of fintech IPOs will serve as a barometer for investor confidence in digital finance. Success in these listings could:
- Restore momentum to the fintech sector after years of valuation corrections.
- Attract new capital to private fintechs still in growth stages.
- Set benchmarks for profitability and sustainability among tech-driven financial firms.
Conversely, lackluster performance could trigger further consolidation — with stronger fintechs acquiring struggling competitors.
5. The Road Ahead
For fintechs eyeing the public market, the focus is now on sustainable growth, transparent governance, and regulatory compliance. The days of sky-high valuations and unchecked spending are over; investors want proven models with clear revenue streams.
As fintech matures from its disruptive startup phase to an established financial pillar, 2026’s IPO wave will mark a defining moment — shaping how capital markets view the future of digital finance.
Conclusion
Fintech’s resilience during economic uncertainty has set the stage for a new era of responsible innovation and growth. The upcoming fintech IPOs — led by Stripe, Revolut, Klarna, Chime, and Plaid — will not only test investor sentiment but also redefine what success looks like in a post-boom market.
If these companies can prove that fintech is both scalable and sustainable, the coming year could mark the true return of fintech to public markets — stronger, smarter, and more resilient than ever.
