Klarna, the Swedish buy-now-pay-later fintech, applies for a U.S. banking licence as it seeks to expand its operations in the United States. Multiple reports say Klarna has submitted an application to U.S. regulators to establish its own bank. The filings position Klarna as aiming for bank status rather than operating only through partnerships or existing financial institutions.
According to the available coverage, the application is linked to a process involving Utah regulators, reported by The Next Web via tech.eu. The move is described as Klarna’s most significant American step yet, reflecting its attempt to obtain regulatory permission that would allow it to run certain banking activities directly.
The reports do not indicate whether the licence has been granted, only that Klarna has initiated the process by applying. If approved, Klarna would be able to pursue a more direct banking framework in the U.S., subject to regulatory requirements and oversight.
