Lloyds targets FinTech expansion with Curve Europe acquisition

By Parth Prabhudesai

Lloyds Banking Group is set to acquire Curve Europe, following approval from the Bank of Lithuania, in a move that highlights growing interest from traditional banks in FinTech capabilities.

Under the transaction, Lloyds will indirectly take over Curve Europe, a Lithuania-registered electronic money institution licensed in 2020. The deal reflects a broader trend of established financial institutions acquiring FinTech firms to expand digital payments and e-money capabilities across Europe.

Gediminas Šimkus, Governor of the Bank of Lithuania, said the acquisition underscores the country’s role as a FinTech hub. “This is another strong example of global companies seeking to acquire FinTech institutions licensed in Lithuania. It shows that Lithuania offers favourable conditions for FinTech firms to establish and grow, and that their maturity and results are attracting investor attention and creating new expansion opportunities,” he said.

Curve Europe is owned by UK-based Curve OS Limited and operates under an electronic money institution (EMI) licence, enabling it to provide digital payment and financial services across the European market.

For Lloyds Banking Group, the acquisition signals a strategic push to strengthen its FinTech footprint and accelerate digital transformation. The bank, which has a history of more than 250 years and operates across banking, insurance, and investment services, is increasingly focusing on modern financial infrastructure and digital offerings.

The development also follows other recent FinTech-related transactions in Lithuania. Earlier this year, the central bank approved the acquisition of Blue EMI LT by Checkout Payments Group, further highlighting rising consolidation in the region.

Overall, the deal reflects how FinTech ecosystems such as Lithuania are attracting global financial institutions looking to scale digital capabilities through regulated entities.