Francesca Carlesi, the recently appointed UK head of Revolut Ltd., is sounding the alarm bells on London's potential loss of its status as the global hub for fintech companies.

Concerns arise as Paris and New York vie for the spotlight in hosting burgeoning finance startups, prompting a potential exodus of talent from London, according to Carlesi.

In a bid to fortify London's fintech ecosystem, Carlesi has joined the newly formed "Unicorn Council," an initiative by Innovate Finance, aimed at advocating for startup-friendly policies with the government. Reflecting on the shifting landscape, Carlesi noted that although London spearheaded digital bank launches post-financial crisis, a noticeable change has occurred in recent years.

Despite these challenges, Carlesi hinted at Revolut's continued interest in London, even amid co-founder Nik Storonsky's grievances about regulatory constraints stifling business growth. Acknowledging the UK as Revolut's home and a significant investor base, Carlesi emphasized the strategic importance of aligning listing decisions with market dynamics.

While Revolut eyes potential IPO avenues, its immediate focus remains on addressing operational hurdles, including account management, controls, and cultural shifts, amidst a protracted wait for a banking license in the UK.

Carlesi's collaborative vision with Storonsky underscores Revolut's aspiration to transcend disruptive origins and evolve into a trusted player within the financial services landscape. Positioned for global expansion, Revolut, valued at $33 billion in its latest funding round, boasts a presence in 38 countries, with the UK serving as a pivotal market.

Key to Revolut's trajectory is its transition from disrupter to a reliable institution, as evidenced by ongoing efforts to streamline operations and address governance concerns highlighted by auditors. Carlesi views Revolut's growth trajectory as sustainable, with a keen emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to combat fraud and bolster security measures.

Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Carlesi underscores Revolut's unique organizational culture characterized by transparency and openness to constructive critique, distinguishing it from conventional institutions. Amidst an evolving fintech landscape, Carlesi remains optimistic about Revolut's potential to emerge as a prominent global player, navigating challenges with agility and resilience.