Brex Expands to Europe with EU Payments License: What It Means for Global Businesses

Brex, the San Francisco-based fintech innovator, is making big moves across the Atlantic. The company has officially received a payment institution license in the European Union—clearing the runway for a full rollout across the EU.

This license, obtained in the Netherlands, grants Brex direct access to local European payment systems and the authority to issue corporate credit cards throughout the bloc. In essence, Brex is now equipped to serve European businesses with the same seamless financial tools that helped them build a strong following in the U.S.

"We've built a platform with global functionality, but until now, European businesses couldn't tap into its full potential," said Pedro Franceschi, Brex's CEO. “This license changes everything.”

Why This Matters

Brex is known for offering modern financial solutions to fast-growing companies, including corporate cards, expense tracking, and cash management tools. The company already supports over 30,000 clients, including notable names like Robinhood and Anthropic.

So far, however, its full suite of services was mainly limited to U.S.-based clients. That changes now. With this license, Brex can now serve companies directly within the EU, giving over 1,500 of its existing customers with European operations a smoother way to manage their finances.

The company is also eyeing the UK next. Plans are underway to obtain a separate license that will allow Brex to operate independently in Britain—ensuring it remains competitive post-Brexit.
What’s Next?

Brex has opened an office in Amsterdam and expects to start onboarding European clients in the coming months. A full launch across the EU is expected by early 2026. The company currently employs nearly a dozen team members across the EU and UK, with plans to scale up as demand grows.

As Brex plants its flag in Europe, traditional banks and fintech players in the region are about to face some serious competition.