Visa Funds Circular Fashion with €50k Grants; Revolut Seeks US Bank Charter
Visa has launched the Young Creators programme in Europe, inviting circular fashion firms to compete for €50,000 in grants and a €20,000 grand prize. Revolut has applied for a US national bank charter to operate across all 50 states as Revolut Bank US, enabling deposits, loans and credit cards.
1. Programme Launch and Eligibility
Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway opens to European businesses in upcycling, textiles, accessories, footwear and apparel with at least one year of operations. Applicants must focus on circular activities—resell, repair, rental, refill, return or redistribution—and commit to attending the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on May 6–7, 2026 if shortlisted.
2. Awards and Jury Composition
A panel including Laura Ingham, Kirsty Keoghan, Shailja Dubé and Philip Konopik will select 15 winners. Ten firms will share €50,000 for business investment, four will each receive €10,000 plus mentorship, promotional opportunities and summit invitations, and one grand prize winner will earn €20,000.
3. Revolut’s US Bank Charter Application
Revolut has applied to the OCC and FDIC for a national bank charter to establish Revolut Bank US, N.A. If approved, it can operate under federal regulation in all 50 states, offering deposits, loans, credit cards and direct Fedwire and ACH access without partner banks.
4. Strategic and Competitive Implications
Securing a US charter would give Revolut direct control over its customer experience and financial products, potentially intensifying competition for Visa’s payment network. Meanwhile, Visa’s grant programme highlights its focus on brand-building and sustainable partnerships in the circular economy.