Zilch, the UK-based buy now, pay later (BNPL) trailblazer, has officially surpassed five million customers and crossed £4 billion in total retail sales. The announcement cements its position as one of the most successful fintechs in the UK’s thriving innovation landscape.
The London-headquartered firm, which allows consumers to split payments without interest, now boasts a £145 million revenue run rate, an impressive leap since becoming regulated in 2020.
Zilch’s momentum comes amid a record-breaking period for UK fintech, with the country now home to 41 unicorns startups valued at over $1 billion, far outpacing its European peers. In a recent Sunday Times report, Zilch earned the title of the UK’s fastest-growing fintech unicorn.
A Fintech Force Shaping Policy
Zilch CEO and co-founder Philip Belamant is not only steering one of the sector’s brightest stars but also helping shape national fintech policy. As the founding co-chair of Innovate Finance’s “Unicorn Council,” Belamant plays a key role in advising the UK government on how to turn fintech growth into economic impact.
“With nearly one in seven adults in the UK holding a Zilch account, our customers are telling us they want more than just credit, that’s what Zilch delivers,” said Belamant.
IPO Speculation and Market Anticipation
The company’s meteoric rise has fueled ongoing speculation around a potential initial public offering. Industry insiders suggest a Zilch IPO could kick off a new wave of fintech listings in London. Adding fuel to the fire, the firm plans to double its headcount over the next 18 months.
While Zilch grabs headlines, it’s not the only fintech scaling rapidly. The broader UK fintech sector is riding a wave of innovation, investment, and global attention. As Zilch’s customer base and valuation grow, so too does the pressure, and opportunity, to define the next phase of consumer finance.