Nu Mexico receives authorization to begin operations as a bank
Nu Mexico has secured authorization from the National Banking and Securities Commission to operate as a bank, marking a significant milestone in its expansion. The company serves over 15 million customers and projects a total investment of USD 4.2 billion through 2030. Nu Mexico reached breakeven in Q1 2026 and has 30 days to complete its transformation from a SOFIPO to a bank.

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Nu Mexico has received authorization from the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) to begin operations as a bank. With more than 15 million customers, the entity will become the largest digital bank in the country. This authorization follows a process supervised by the CNBV, the Bank of Mexico, and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.
Strategic Expansion and Investment
The authorization consolidates the model Nu has built in Mexico: simple, transparent, innovative, 100% digital, and customer-focused. This approach has allowed the company to attract approximately 15% of the country's adult population. David Vélez, founder and Global CEO of Nubank, stated that Mexico is a key market and highlighted a total projected investment of USD 4.2 billion through 2030.
Operational Scale and Metrics
In seven years, Nu Mexico achieved a scale that once took decades. The company currently adds 12,000 new customers per day and has a presence in 98% of the country's municipalities. It has provided 54% of its customers with their first credit card and fostered a savings culture among 60% of its users. For the first quarter of 2026, Nu Mexico reached breakeven, improving its efficiency ratio by 78 percentage points and surpassing $5.9 billion in deposits.
Product Portfolio and Transformation
Nu Mexico launched its first product, a no-fee credit card, in 2020. Since then, it has expanded its portfolio to include a savings account "Cuenta Nu", Cajita Turbo, and Scam Alert features. The portfolio also includes personal loans and secured cards. In accordance with current regulations, Nu Mexico has 30 calendar days to complete its transformation into a bank from a SOFIPO.
How will the banking authorization impact Nu Mexico's ability to cross-sell higher-margin financial products like insurance and investment options?
What competitive strategies will traditional Mexican banks likely adopt in response to Nu Mexico's rapid market penetration and digital-first model?
How might the transition from a SOFIPO to a licensed bank affect Nu Mexico's operational costs and regulatory compliance burden?



























