Nubank, which is the leading digital bank in Latin America, has made a significant announcement, disclosing its intent to takeover Banco Porto Real de Investimentos S/A, a Brazilian bank that Mostly focuses on providing loans to large businesses. This deal still needs central bank approval before it can be finalized and will help Nubank become regulatory compliant while being consistent with its growth plans.
And, Nubank’s takeover of Banco Porto Real is the right move as they can now be aligned to Joint Resolution No. 5, a decree by Brazil’s Central Bank and the National Monetary Council (CMN), requiring the name of financial institutions to be in line with the services they offer. It is also mandating that the operating license of such entities should be in the name of a holding company if its activities go beyond what banking services usually are.
Acquisition Expands Nubank’s Regulatory Licenses
Founded in 1992 in Porto Real, Rio de Janeiro, Banco Porto Real operates primarily in wholesale credit. Once the acquisition is completed, its banking license will become part of Nubank’s existing regulatory portfolio, which already includes licenses as a Payment Institution, a Credit, Financing and Investment Company (SCFI), and a Securities Brokerage Company (SCTVM).
According to Nubank, incorporating Banco Porto Real’s banking license will not alter its existing business model or require additional capital or liquidity under its prudential conglomerate. The company also confirmed that all obligations undertaken by Banco Porto Real will continue to be honored in accordance with the acquisition agreement.
Importantly, Nubank said the acquisition will not affect its 115 million customers in Brazil, with no changes planned to the company’s brand, mobile application, products, services, or customer experience.
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Brazil Remains Nubank’s Primary Growth Market
Nubank founder and Global CEO David Vélez said the acquisition reflects the company’s continued commitment to expanding in Brazil, where it sees significant room for further growth despite already becoming one of the country’s largest financial institutions.
“Brazil is where Nubank was born, grew, and proved that fairer, simpler financial services are possible at scale. Thirteen years later, it remains our main focus, a market where we can still significantly expand our share and continue driving the transformation of the sector,” Vélez said.
Livia Chanes, CEO of Nubank Latin America, added that the company remains focused on innovation while expanding the range of financial solutions available to customers.
“Our DNA of innovation remains intact, and we are committed to deepening our relationship with every customer, offering more solutions with the same simplicity that has always defined us.” Said Livia Chanes, CEO of Nubank.
Continued Investment and Market Expansion
The purchase aligns with several other strategic decisions by Nubank that are set on deepening its foothold in the Brazilian financial markets. Only this month, the company entered Febraban when the bank became the country’s single largest private financial provider with the most extensive customer base.
Nubank has, at the same time, stated its intention to invest R$45 billion to Brazilian during the upcoming year and the figure is nearly twice as much as that in the last two years. The money will be used, for example, in development of products, upgrading technology infrastructure, and further extending to the domestic market.
Despite its fast pace of growth, the company remains the primary focus of making sure that its customer services are at the top level. According, the Central Bank data, one of the lowest complaint rates is from Nubank among large financial entities of Brazil. Also, Nubank has received the Reclame Aqui Customer Service Excellence Award for 9 consecutive years.
Strengthening Financial Inclusion
Nubank says its growth has contributed significantly to financial inclusion across Brazil. According to the company, approximately 31.5 million Brazilians—roughly one in five adults-have gained access to banking services, credit products, and savings solutions through its platform.
The company also cited Bain & Company’s NPS Prism survey for the fourth quarter of 2025, which ranked Nubank as the financial institution most preferred by Brazilians for receiving salaries, making payments, and managing financial products.
With the planned acquisition of Banco Porto Real, Nubank continues to strengthen its regulatory foundation while reinforcing its long-term strategy of expanding digital banking services, broadening its product portfolio, and maintaining its leadership position in Brazil’s rapidly evolving financial services market.
