Nubank’s Global Recognition and Its Growth Narrative
After delivering a stellar fourth quarter in 2021 with revenue reaching 635.9 million dollars and drawing in 5.8 million new customers, Nubank earned prestigious recognition from Time magazine. The fintech disruptor was named one of the world’s most influential companies for the second consecutive year, celebrated for simplifying the financial system and helping people improve their relationship with money.
Time’s annual list, launched in 2021, gathers 100 organizations that have made a notable impact across global markets. Nubank stood out as the sole Brazilian and Latin American representative, earning a place in the Titans category alongside multinational giants such as Amazon, Apple, Disney, Netflix, Meta, and Microsoft. This distinction underscores Nubank’s rapid ascent from a regional challenger to a globally acknowledged fintech leader.
Time’s editors assemble the list through nominations from across industries, with input from experts and correspondents worldwide. A careful evaluation follows, taking into account relevance, innovation, impact, leadership, and measurable success. The process aims to spotlight companies that are reshaping their sectors and driving meaningful change on a global scale.
Latin America’s traditional banking infrastructure has often been seen as costly, complex, and out of reach for many. In this context, Nubank has emerged as a catalyst for financial inclusion under the leadership of CEO David Vélez. The company’s mission centers on making banking accessible from mobile devices, reducing barriers to entry, and simplifying everyday financial tasks for a broad audience. This approach resonates across the region, where roughly half of adults have historically remained outside the formal banking system. Nubank’s emphasis on user-friendly digital experiences, transparent pricing, and rapid service has positioned it as a pivotal force in reshaping how people manage money.
In Brazil, Nubank’s footprint is substantial. The bank reports a customer base of about 52.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of around 58 percent. This scale translates into roughly 30 percent of the country’s adult population relying on Nubank for their everyday financial activities. The platform’s stickiness is notable as well: more than half of users who have stayed with Nubank for over a year consider it their primary bank account. This level of engagement signals deep trust and continued usage beyond default savings and payments, extending into daily financial routines.
Beyond Brazil, Nubank’s footprint extends into Latin America and beyond. In Mexico, the company has attracted around 1.4 million customers, and the fourth quarter of 2021 saw a surge in card issuance that hints at Nubank’s potential to become a leading player in Mexico’s consumer credit market. The scalable model—that blends accessible digital banking, straightforward card products, and an emphasis on customer experience—positions Nubank to extend its influence across markets that have historically relied on traditional institutions with higher costs and slower innovation cycles.
The broader context for Nubank’s achievements includes its consistent ability to attract and convert customers through digital-first solutions. The company’s success is driven by a deep focus on user experience, rapid product iterations, and a commitment to financial inclusion. By reducing frictions in onboarding, simplifying account management, and providing transparent, predictable terms, Nubank has created a trust-driven relationship with its users that supports long-term growth and brand loyalty. This combination of scale, customer advocacy, and strategic leadership marks Nubank as a standout example of modern fintech expansion in both the Americas and global markets.
As Nubank continues to broaden its product suite and geographic presence, observers note that its trajectory aligns with broader shifts in the financial services landscape. The blend of mobile-first banking, accessible consumer credit, and data-driven product design is driving higher adoption rates and deeper engagement. Nubank’s ability to maintain momentum in highly competitive environments—while staying true to its core mission of simplifying money management—positions the company as a benchmark for fintechs seeking to blend rapid growth with meaningful social impact.