Brex Secures EU Payment License, Paving Way for Direct European Operations

San Francisco-based fintech firm Brex, under the leadership of CEO Pedro Franceschi, announced on August 8, 2025, that it has secured an EU Payment Institution license. This significant regulatory approval enables Brex to directly offer its corporate cards, expense, and treasury tools to businesses across the European Union. The move, centered around a newly established office in the Netherlands, aims to better serve the company's existing 1,500 European customers and expand its global footprint.

The new European operations will commence with a phased rollout, with full functionality expected by early 2026. Brex has set up a 12-strong team in its Netherlands office, covering sales, operations, and customer success. Additionally, the company is actively pursuing a separate license to support its expansion into the United Kingdom in the coming months. CEO Pedro Franceschi stated on X, "Big news. Brex is coming to Europe!" adding that the license allows Brex to directly serve EU-based businesses with "locally accepted cards, less friction, and best-in-class payment capabilities."

Brex, founded in 2017 by Pedro Franceschi and Henrique Dubugras, specializes in corporate credit cards and spend management platforms for startups and enterprise clients. The company's strategic focus has shifted towards serving larger, fast-growing businesses, moving away from the small and midsize business market in 2022. This expansion positions Brex as a unique "intelligent finance platform" holding both US and EU licenses, reinforcing its commitment to global enterprise solutions.

The European expansion aligns with Brex's broader strategic objectives, including its ambition for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. Pedro Franceschi, who transitioned to sole CEO in early 2024 to enhance agility and decision-making, emphasizes building a highly predictable and resilient public company. Brex continues to integrate advanced AI into its financial products, aiming to automate expense management and accounting tasks, further streamlining operations for its growing client base.