The "winners" in 2026 are those that have successfully transitioned from being just "sleek apps" to comprehensive financial ecosystems with full banking licenses and diversified revenue.

While some niche banks (like those for freelancers or eco-conscious users) are growing, several others like Flowbank and Coop Finance+ have already disappeared due to an inability to scale or maintain trust.

Both have achieved sustained profitability by moving into SME banking and lending. Starling’s focus on its "Banking-as-a-Service" infrastructure is now a key growth engine.

By 2026, the neobank landscape has shifted from a "growth at all costs" race to a survival-of-the-fittest battle centered on and strategic depth . While the global market is projected to reach between $310 billion and $552 billion this year, the industry remains divided: approximately 76% of neobanks are still unprofitable , struggling with low average revenue per user ($45 compared to $350 at traditional banks). The Rising Stars: Profitability and Super-Apps