Zilch Acquires Fjord Bank to Boost EU Expansion

Zilch, one of the fastest‑growing fintech unicorns in the UK and across the EMEA region, has announced a major strategic acquisition that marks a defining moment in its international expansion. The company is set to acquire AB Fjord Bank, a Lithuania‑based institution holding approximately $120 million in assets and regulated by both the Bank of Lithuania and the European Central Bank. This move grants Zilch a coveted European banking license, enabling the company to accelerate its growth across the continent and broaden its suite of financial services for consumers and businesses.

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Zilch’s ambition to expand beyond the UK and establish a strong presence across Europe. With the newly obtained banking license, Zilch gains the regulatory foundation required to operate fully within the EU, ensuring compliance with stringent financial standards while unlocking new opportunities for innovation in payments and digital financial services. The license allows Zilch to offer banking‑related capabilities such as deposit‑taking, payment processing, and digital lending, strengthening its ability to compete with established banks while maintaining the agility and customer‑centric approach that have fueled its rapid rise.

Fjord Bank brings both regulatory credibility and operational infrastructure to Zilch’s ecosystem. Headquartered in Lithuania, the bank’s established presence and EU‑wide approvals provide Zilch with a solid foundation for scaling its services across multiple European markets. Fjord Bank’s asset base and regulatory footprint will enable Zilch to integrate its offerings more seamlessly and accelerate its entry into new regions.

Zilch, widely recognized for its innovative “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) model, has built a strong reputation for transparency, speed, and customer‑first design. The acquisition aligns with the company’s broader vision to evolve into a global fintech platform, transforming the way consumers engage with digital payments. With a European banking license in hand, Zilch can now pursue cross‑border expansion with greater confidence, bringing its solutions to millions more customers across Europe.

Looking ahead, Zilch is expected to accelerate the rollout of its products across the continent, leveraging Fjord Bank’s regulatory and operational strengths to introduce enhanced BNPL services, new banking features, and next‑generation digital payment products tailored to the needs of European consumers. The company sees this acquisition as a pivotal step in its journey toward becoming a leading global fintech player. “This acquisition represents a significant step in Zilch’s journey to become a leading global fintech platform,” said [Zilch CEO Name]. “With a European banking license in hand, we are now equipped to bring our products to millions more consumers across Europe, while continuing to innovate and deliver value in the payments and financial services space.”