Nubank (NU) Banking License in Mexico Fuels LATAM Expansion and AI-Driven Growth

Introduction: Nubank’s Strategic Leap with Mexican Banking License#

Nubank, trading as NU, recently secured a full banking license in Mexico, marking a transformative milestone in its Latin American expansion strategy. This license empowers Nubank to transition from a primarily digital lender to a fully licensed bank in one of LATAM’s largest economies, enabling it to offer deposit-taking, payroll accounts, savings products, and personal loans. The move is poised to unlock new revenue streams and deepen financial inclusion in a market where only about 36% of adults hold payroll accounts.

Alongside this regulatory achievement, Nubank leverages its proprietary AI platform, Hyperplane, to enhance customer personalization and operational efficiency—strengthening its competitive positioning against incumbents like BBVA Mexico and emerging fintech rivals such as Ualá and Mercado Pago.

Financial Performance: Robust Growth Anchors Expansion#

Nubank’s 2024 financial results underscore its accelerating growth trajectory and improved profitability. The company reported $11.1 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, a +44.79% increase year-over-year from $7.67 billion in 2023 (Monexa AI. Gross profit rose to $5.1 billion, reflecting a strong gross margin of 45.93%, up from 43.64% in 2023.

Operating income more than doubled to $2.8 billion, with operating margin expanding to 25.17%. Net income surged to $1.97 billion, representing a net margin of 17.76%, a significant improvement from 13.44% in the previous year. These results demonstrate effective operational leverage and cost management, particularly in selling, general, and administrative expenses, which rose more slowly relative to revenue.

Nubank’s balance sheet remains solid, with $13.64 billion in cash and cash equivalents and a net debt position of - $12.75 billion, indicating strong liquidity and low leverage. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is minimal at 0.1x, underscoring conservative capital structure amid growth investments.

Key Financial Metrics Summary#

Strategic Implications of Mexican Banking License#

The Mexican banking license grants Nubank the regulatory framework to offer a full spectrum of banking products beyond credit cards and digital lending. This enables the launch of innovative products such as payroll accounts and high-yield savings like "Cajita Turbo," which offers attractive 15% annual returns, fostering customer loyalty and deeper wallet share.

With an estimated 10-12 million customers in Mexico and an average revenue per active customer (ARPAC) of $11.20 as of June 2025 (with legacy users generating over $25 monthly), Nubank is positioned to capitalize on cross-selling opportunities and expand its revenue base (Nu Mexico Receives Banking License.

This product expansion aligns with Nubank’s broader LATAM ambition to disrupt traditional banking by increasing financial inclusion for the underbanked and digitally underserved. The license is not merely a regulatory formality but a strategic enabler of revenue diversification and market penetration.

AI Integration: Hyperplane as a Competitive Differentiator#

Nubank’s AI platform, Hyperplane, serves as a critical enabler of its fintech innovation. By harnessing advanced data analytics and real-time transaction insights, Hyperplane personalizes product offerings and improves risk management. This drives higher customer engagement and retention, key factors in increasing ARPAC and reducing churn.

Hyperplane’s capabilities allow Nubank to adapt swiftly to market dynamics, launch tailored financial solutions, and optimize operational costs. This positions Nubank ahead of many regional competitors who lag in AI adoption, reinforcing its role as a technology-driven disruptor in LATAM’s financial services sector.

Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning#

Nubank competes directly with established banks like BBVA Mexico, Banorte, and Citibanamex, which maintain strong market shares and investor confidence, evidenced by recent stock price gains. Additionally, fintech players such as Ualá and Mercado Pago aggressively pursue digital banking licenses and innovative offerings.

Nubank’s edge lies in its digital-first approach combined with AI-driven personalization and the ability to scale rapidly through its banking license. However, the competitive intensity necessitates continuous innovation and product development to sustain growth and market share gains.

Future Outlook and Analyst Sentiment#

Analysts forecast Nubank’s revenue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25.49% through 2029, reaching an estimated $31 billion by the end of 2029. Earnings per share (EPS) estimates show improvement over time, with projected EPS of $1.45 in 2028 and $1.04 in 2027, reflecting growing profitability and operational scale (Monexa AI.

Forward price-to-earnings ratios are expected to decline from 23.83x in 2025 to 9.16x by 2028, signaling anticipated earnings growth and potential valuation re-rating as Nubank matures.

*Note: EPS for 2029 is currently projected at zero due to limited analyst estimates.

What Does Nubank’s Mexican Banking License Mean for Investors?#

The acquisition of the banking license in Mexico represents a critical inflection point for Nubank’s regional strategy. It opens multiple revenue channels, enhances customer engagement through product diversification, and solidifies Nubank’s position as a leading digital bank in Latin America.

Financially, Nubank’s strong 2024 results demonstrate scalable profitability, robust cash generation, and a healthy balance sheet, all of which support sustained investment in growth and innovation. The AI-powered Hyperplane platform further strengthens Nubank’s competitive moat by enabling personalized customer experiences and operational agility.

Investors should monitor Nubank’s ability to execute on its expansion plans, maintain operational discipline, and navigate an increasingly competitive LATAM fintech landscape. The company’s strategic initiatives, combined with its improving financial profile, suggest a favorable growth trajectory.

Key Takeaways#

• Nubank’s Mexican banking license enables full banking services, expanding product offerings and revenue potential.
• The company achieved $11.1B revenue in 2024, with net income nearly doubling to $1.97B, reflecting operational leverage.
• Nubank’s AI platform Hyperplane drives personalized financial solutions, enhancing customer loyalty and efficiency.
• Competitive landscape includes traditional banks and fintech rivals; Nubank’s digital-first approach and AI integration are key differentiators.
• Analysts project 25.49% revenue CAGR through 2029, with improving EPS and declining forward P/E ratios.
• Strong liquidity and low debt position provide strategic flexibility for continued expansion.

References#

• Nu Mexico Receives Banking License
• Building Nubank's Tech Opportunities
• Monexa Market Analysis