Revolut, co-founded by CEO Nik Storonsky in 2013, has achieved a remarkable valuation of $45 billion, surpassing major European banks such as Barclays and NatWest.

This valuation marks a significant increase of 36% from $33 billion in 2021, despite a challenging funding environment, and follows the company's reported revenue of $2.2 billion last year.

The surge in valuation was bolstered by a successful employee share sale and the recent acquisition of a UK banking license, which allows Revolut to expand into new sectors like mortgages.

Early investors in Revolut have seen their stakes skyrocket by an astonishing 40,000%, with some holdings now valued at over $1 million.

Investors who contributed the maximum amount of £5,000 may now hold shares worth over $2 million, showcasing the potential rewards of investing in early-stage fintech.

According to Crowdcube co-CEO Matt Cooper, many investors from the second funding round have seen their shares increase in value by 100 times.

In 2016, a group of 433 early Revolut users invested at a £40 million valuation through Crowdcube, with individual investments ranging from £100 to £5,000.

An initial public offering (IPO) for Revolut could provide an exit opportunity for early investors, marking a significant success for retail investors in the fintech space.

However, the timeline for a potential stock market listing remains uncertain as discussions continue about the best location for such an event.

Despite its success, Revolut's workplace culture has faced criticism for high staff turnover, prompting efforts to attract and retain talented employees.

As the company expands, it faces increased regulatory scrutiny and criticism from consumer watchdogs regarding its fraud reimbursement practices.

Banking adviser Steve McLaughlin believes Revolut could eventually be worth $100 billion, given its vast addressable market in financial services.