Revolut Launches Cryptocurrency Trading in New Zealand

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In a strategic move just days after reports emerged about Revolut restricting crypto services in the UK, the London-based fintech giant has launched cryptocurrency trading for customers in New Zealand. This expansion underscores Revolut’s continued commitment to digital asset accessibility—albeit with regional variations—despite tightening regulations in other markets.

The launch allows New Zealand users to buy, sell, and learn about cryptocurrencies directly through the Revolut app, marking a significant step in the company's global crypto rollout.

Enhanced Crypto Experience for New Zealand Users

Revolut is not just offering trading—it’s building a holistic crypto experience tailored to local needs. As part of the rollout, the company introduced its "Learn and Earn" program in New Zealand, providing free educational courses on blockchain technology, market dynamics, and digital asset management. Users who complete these interactive modules can earn small amounts of cryptocurrency as rewards, promoting financial literacy while lowering the entry barrier.

👉 Discover how easy it is to start learning and earning crypto today.

This initiative aligns with Revolut’s broader mission to democratize access to alternative asset classes. By combining education with practical investment tools, the platform empowers users to make informed decisions rather than speculative ones.

Additionally, Revolut has partnered with Koinly, a leading crypto tax reporting software, to streamline tax compliance for New Zealanders. With automatic transaction syncing and capital gains calculations, users can now generate tax-ready reports without manual tracking—addressing one of the biggest pain points for retail crypto investors.

Georgia Grange, Revolut’s Head of New Zealand, emphasized the company’s vision:

"Revolut is excited to deepen our mission of simplifying money for Kiwis by expanding into new verticals like education and cryptocurrency trading. By adding crypto and tools like Learn and Earn to our platform, we’re making access to and investment in digital assets simple—removing what was once seen as time-consuming, complex, and costly."

Broad Access to Major Digital Assets

New Zealand customers can now trade over 100 cryptocurrencies, including top-tier assets such as:

These offerings reflect a balanced mix of established coins and select high-potential altcoins, giving users flexibility in portfolio diversification. Trading occurs within the familiar Revolut interface, known for its intuitive design and real-time price updates.

However, one critical limitation remains unclear: whether users will be able to withdraw their crypto holdings off-platform. In regulated regions like the European Union, Revolut does not allow external wallet transfers—a model that may extend to New Zealand. This restriction means users cannot fully control their private keys or use their assets in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

While this custodial approach enhances security and ease of use for beginners, it contrasts with the core principle of "self-custody" championed by many in the crypto community.

Regional Divergence in Crypto Strategy

Revolut’s approach to cryptocurrency is increasingly defined by regional compliance and regulatory anticipation. While expanding in New Zealand, the company recently paused crypto purchases for business accounts in the UK ahead of upcoming regulatory changes under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Earlier in 2025, it also suspended all crypto services in the United States.

This selective presence highlights a cautious yet opportunistic strategy: entering markets where regulatory frameworks are clearer or more accommodating, while retreating from jurisdictions with uncertain or restrictive policies.

In contrast, New Zealand presents a relatively stable environment for fintech innovation. The country’s proactive stance on digital finance regulation, combined with high smartphone penetration and strong consumer interest in alternative investments, makes it an ideal testing ground for expanded crypto services.

👉 See how global fintech platforms are adapting to evolving crypto regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Revolut allowing crypto trading for all users in New Zealand?

Yes, both individual and eligible business users can access crypto trading on the Revolut platform in New Zealand. However, recent changes in other regions suggest potential future restrictions depending on regulatory developments.

Can I withdraw my cryptocurrency from Revolut to an external wallet?

As of now, it is unclear whether withdrawal functionality is available for New Zealand users. In the EU, Revolut does not permit external transfers, so similar limitations may apply locally.

What is the 'Learn and Earn' program?

It’s an educational initiative where users complete short lessons on blockchain and cryptocurrencies and earn small amounts of digital assets upon completion. It aims to promote responsible investing through knowledge.

Why did Revolut launch in New Zealand but restrict services elsewhere?

Regulatory landscapes vary significantly. New Zealand offers a more predictable framework for fintech innovation compared to markets like the UK and US, where new rules around anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection are shaping stricter crypto policies.

Does Revolut charge fees for crypto trading?

Revolut applies a spread (markup) on trades rather than a flat fee. The exact rate varies based on market conditions and the user’s subscription tier (Standard, Plus, Premium).

How does Koinly integration benefit me?

Koinly automatically imports your transaction history from Revolut, calculates capital gains or losses, and generates tax-compliant reports—saving time and reducing errors during tax season.

👉 Start managing your crypto taxes with ease using integrated tools.

Looking Ahead: A Balancing Act

Revolut’s dual trajectory—expanding in some regions while pulling back in others—reflects the complex reality of operating a global fintech platform in an evolving regulatory era. Its focus on education, user experience, and compliance positions it well for long-term adoption among mainstream audiences.

For New Zealanders, this launch represents more than just another trading option—it’s a step toward greater financial inclusion in the digital economy. Whether this momentum continues will depend on how regulators respond and whether Revolut chooses to grant full asset control to its users.

As the line between traditional finance and digital assets blurs, platforms that combine accessibility with responsibility are likely to lead the next wave of financial innovation.