Revolut Shuts Down EU Metals Trading by 2026, Doubles Down on Crypto

Revolut is making a bold move. The fintech giant announced it's shutting down its precious metals trading service in the European Union by June 15, 2026. That's right, the company plans to end customer exposure to gold, silver, platinum, and palladium across over 30 EEA markets. Meanwhile, its crypto business is gaining traction.

The Story: Revolut's Strategic Shift

On April 24, 2026, Revolut customers got a surprising notification. The app, which has been providing exposure to precious metals, is calling it quits. According to Clause 6.5 of its Terms of Business, the company is giving users two months to wind down their positions. Come June 15, any positions still open will be liquidated at market rates. The decision affects major EU markets, including Germany, France, and Italy. While Revolut's UK entity will still offer metals trading, it leaves EU users with fewer options.

Revolut isn't leaving customers out to dry entirely. They've promised to refund commission fees for trades and forced liquidations as a one-time payment after the shutdown date. But let's face it, even with that cushion, the move is a hit for users who value metals in their portfolios. The platform's service, which added silver in 2020 and expanded to other metals later, won't accept new sign-ups or increased positions as it winds down.

Analysis: Winners, Losers, and Crypto's Ascent

So, what's driving this decision? Max Karpis, an early Revolut investor, suggests it's a commercial call more than a regulatory one. With low volumes and thin profit margins, keeping the service might not make financial sense, especially when crypto is the golden goose. In 2025, Revolut reported $6 billion in revenue with $2.3 billion in pretax profit, citing crypto as a major growth driver. Here's the thing: the economics just didn't work for metals.

As the metals door closes, the crypto window flies open. Revolut secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission in October 2025. This grants them access across all 30 EEA markets. The crypto platform, Revolut X, is already rolling out with over 200 tokens and 400 trading pairs.

Who's the real beneficiary here? Crypto enthusiasts for one. Revolut's expanding feature set includes fee-free stablecoin-to-USD conversions, which only sweetens the pot. As traditional assets get sidelined, digital currencies seem to be the focus going forward.

The Takeaway: Fintech's Double-Edged Sword

Revolut's move highlights a recurring theme in fintech: convenience comes with caveats. App-based exposure like Revolut's metals trading can vanish overnight when the profitability equation doesn't add up. Customers looking to diversify their assets might consider spot gold ETFs or dedicated brokerages for metals exposure.

Yet, this shift isn't bad news for everyone. It's a boon for those riding the crypto wave. As metals retreat, crypto's dominance in Revolut's lineup could mean more innovation and growth in the digital asset space. But here's the question: Is the focus on crypto a sign of things to come for fintech? It seems Revolut is betting it's.

For now, the takeaway is clear. Fintech's utility comes with its own risks and rewards. Revolut's decision need for users to remain agile and aware of how quickly financial landscapes can change. What will your next move be?