Monzo vs Scalable Capital

Monzo’s General Manager of Wealth on helping build a brighter financial future for your kids

Monzo’s General Manager of Wealth, Jo Phillips, shares how investing with a Junior ISA can help build a brighter future for kids.

Nubank Abandons £10B Monzo Deal After Stock Drop

Nubank, Brazil's digital bank, has called off its proposed acquisition of UK-based Monzo after shares fell as much as 10% following leaked talks. The £10 billion price tag was deemed too high by investors, with analysts questioning the financial rationale. Nubank will instead expand internationally through its stablecoin account, Nu Global. Monzo, which was pushing for a sale, now faces a tough market, with its preferred option being a minority stake sale to private equity firms like CVC and Advent. The company's valuation may drop below the £6 billion IPO figure discussed earlier. Additionally, Nubank faces regulatory challenges in Europe with Brazil's Resolution 561, which restricts stablecoin cross-border settlements.

• Nubank's shares fell up to 10% after Monzo acquisition talks leaked.
• Nubank announced it is 'not pursuing a transaction' with Monzo.
• The deal was valued at up to £10 billion.

Nubank in talks to acquire Monzo for up to £10B

Brazilian neobank Nubank is in early-stage talks to acquire UK-based digital bank Monzo, according to Sky News and City AM. The deal could value Monzo at £8-10 billion ($9-11.5 billion), more than double its October 2024 valuation of £4.5 billion. Monzo, with about 15 million customers and reported FY2026 revenue of £1.7 billion, holds £25.7 billion in mostly unlent deposits, which Nubank could potentially deploy as loans—a strategy it has never executed outside Latin America. The acquisition would provide Nubank with a UK banking license, accelerating its European expansion and challenging Revolut. However, regulatory hurdles and UK rules may pressure Nubank's high margins. The payment would likely be stock-heavy, and competitive offers could affect the price. A sale would end Monzo's IPO plans, previously anticipated at a £6 billion valuation. Nubank is valued at $65 billion with nearly 139 million customers.

• Nubank is in early talks to acquire Monzo for £8-10 billion, more than double Monzo's last valuation.
• Monzo holds £25.7 billion in mostly unlent deposits, and reported revenue of £1.7 billion with ~15 million customers.
• The acquisition would end Monzo's IPO plans and provide Nubank with a UK banking license.

Investor Presentation Released: Scalable Capital Bank GmbH

AI parsed presentation narrative: Scalable Capital is a leading European digital bank empowering retail investors across Europe through accessible online brokerage, automated wealth management, and high-yield overnight savings accounts. Additionally, it monetizes its technology platform through B2B white-label partnerships with major financial institutions like ING Deutschland and Raiffeisen Banking Group. Strategic pillars: Digital Retail Brokerage Expansion, Automated Digital Wealth Management.

Trade Republic launches free ETF pension deposit

Trade Republic, a Berlin-based neobroker, has announced a 'completely free' state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot) ahead of its official launch. The offer includes no account management fees, no order fees, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 selected ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard. CEO Christian Hecker framed this as the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and aims to attract new customers through the company's largest marketing campaign to date. This aggressive pricing undercuts rivals like Scalable Capital and Smartbroker, intensifying competition for the lucrative retirement market that begins in January 2026, with government subsidies of up to 540 euros per adult and 300 euros per child annually. The deposit replaces the Riester pension.

• Trade Republic launches a completely free state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot).
• The offer includes free account management, free orders, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard.
• CEO Christian Hecker announces the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and expects significant customer growth.

Deutsche Bank Enters Price War for State-Subsidized Retirement Portfolio

Deutsche Bank is entering the competitive market for the new state-subsidized retirement investment account (Altersvorsorgedepot), which will launch in 2027. The bank emphasizes transparent pricing, avoiding 'loss-leader' offers. The product allows savers to invest in ETFs, stock funds, and bonds, with tax advantages and annual subsidies up to 540 euros (plus 300 euros per child). Deutsche Bank's standard digital-only depot, developed by DWS, will cost 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%. A more expensive advisory version costs 0.99% yearly. Competitors like Scalable Capital and Dekabank have already announced low-fee or fee-free structures. The article discusses the competitive landscape, concerns about future price increases, and the potential to boost Germany's equity culture.

• Deutsche Bank enters the Altersvorsorgedepot market with a standard digital depot costing 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%, and an advisory version at 0.99% per year.
• Scalable Capital launched the price war in August, offering no fees for depot management, savings plans, or trades on its standard depot, with running costs capped at 0.15% annually.
• Dekabank offers a standard depot with 0.1% yearly fees.