As Morocco prepares to take center stage in global sports — with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup — the country’s financial sector is also drawing attention from some of the world’s most ambitious fintech companies. From digital banks to innovative savings fintechs, Morocco’s evolving regulatory landscape and growing digital-savvy population are creating new opportunities — and formidable challenges — for global entrants.

Among the most closely watched entrants is British neobank Revolut, which has reportedly begun scouting for a country CEO in Morocco, signaling early interest in market entry. With more than 40 million users worldwide and a valuation of €41 billion, Revolut’s presence could significantly disrupt Morocco’s digital banking experience.

According to local sources familiar with the matter, Revolut has initiated internal feasibility studies and headhunting activities in Casablanca. One individual, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that Revolut’s leadership views Morocco as a gateway to Francophone Africa, bolstered by its proximity to Europe and relatively strong economic fundamentals. However, the source added that “The regulatory approval process could be a major obstacle — no new foreign banking licenses have been granted in over a decade.”

This bottleneck is not new. High-profile players like M-PESA and Flutterwave have reportedly attempted to enter Morocco but faced years of regulatory delays. Analysts suggest that Revolut may need to pursue a partnership model — similar to Apple Pay’s entry via CIH Bank — to gain a foothold. “A partnership with a local bank could allow Revolut to offer limited services to premium clients without a full banking license,” said a regional fintech consultant.

Regulatory expert Andrea Bises, affiliated with the Gates Foundation’s financial inclusion programs, notes Morocco’s appeal — but also its constraints. “Morocco is one of the continent’s five most investable fintech markets, but regulators remain cautious — especially with models that include crypto, international stock trading, and premium cards,” he said.

While Revolut continues to explore its entry into the Moroccan market, Egypt-based fintech Money Fellows has taken a different route — pursuing a license for over a year, according to people familiar with the matter. In the meantime, the company has partnered with Network International, a leading digital payments provider in the Middle East and Africa, though the outcome of the licensing process remains unclear.

The partnership will allow Money Fellows to deploy its signature rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) model using Network International’s secure “Digital Payments as a Service” infrastructure. The startup, which recently raised $13 million in a pre-Series C round led by Moroccan fund Al Mada Ventures and Egypt’s Nclude by DPI, aims to accelerate its expansion into Morocco and beyond.

“We are excited to enter the Moroccan market with the right infrastructure and strategic support,” said Money Fellows CEO Ahmed Wadi. “Morocco’s financial behavior aligns well with our core product offering.”

The collaboration enables Money Fellows to bypass some of the regulatory hurdles by embedding its services within Network International’s licensed ecosystem. Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director at Network International, said the partnership “signifies a milestone in the region’s fintech evolution.”

Money Fellows currently serves over seven million users in Egypt and aims to scale its operations across North Africa. According to BAM, Morocco’s heavy reliance on informal financial tools — used by an estimated 88% of the population — offers fertile ground for the company’s digitized savings platforms.

Major global events on the horizon are fueling optimism about fintech’s role in Morocco’s future. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup are expected to draw millions of visitors, significantly boosting digital transactions, remittances, and e-commerce. This anticipated surge has made Morocco a strategic focus for payment processors and digital banking innovators alike.