Revolut Taps Former Societe Generale CEO to Lead Paris Expansion

In a significant move, London-based fintech company Revolut has appointed Frederic Oudea, the former CEO of French banking giant Societe Generale, as the chairman of its Western Europe hub in Paris. This high-profile hire underscores Revolut's ambitious plans to expand its presence in France.

As of September 5, 2025, Revolut has announced that it intends to invest €1 billion over the next three years to bolster its operations in France. This investment will include the opening of a new office in Paris to serve as the headquarters for Revolut's Western Europe activities. The company is also in the process of applying for a banking license in France, a move that will allow it to offer a wider range of financial services to its growing customer base.

Revolut, which has over 60 million customers worldwide but no physical branches, is one of the largest financial technology companies in Europe. The addition of Oudea, a respected figure in the French corporate landscape, is expected to lend credibility and expertise to Revolut's expansion plans. Oudea, who previously served as the CEO of Societe Generale and currently chairs the pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, brings a wealth of experience and industry connections that could prove invaluable as Revolut navigates the regulatory landscape in France.

The company's push into the French market is part of a broader strategy to solidify its position as a leading challenger bank in Europe. Revolut has already obtained a banking license with restrictions in the UK and expects to begin operating as a fully-fledged UK bank later this year. Additionally, the company holds a Lithuanian banking license, which it can use to offer services across the European Union.