The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Business & Money›Banking›Nubank
Business & Money • Banking

Nubank

Nubank, also known outside Brazil as Nu, is a Brazilian neobank and financial technology company headquartered in São Paulo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nubank, also known outside Brazil as Nu, is a Brazilian neobank and financial technology company headquartered in São Paulo. Founded in 2013, it offers digital banking and related financial services in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. It is widely described as one of the largest digital banks and fintech companies in Latin America.

History

Nubank was founded in 2013 by David Vélez, Cristina Junqueira, and Edward Wible. It began as a digital alternative to traditional Brazilian banking and later expanded into other Latin American markets.

Products and services

The company started with a no-fee credit card and expanded into digital accounts, loans, investments, insurance, and other financial services. It has also introduced adjacent products such as NuCel in Brazil.

Operations and markets

Nubank’s main markets are Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. It is headquartered in São Paulo and operates as a digital-first institution without a traditional branch network.

Corporate status

Nubank is legally associated with Nu Holdings Ltd. and is commonly described as one of the largest neobanks in Latin America. Public sources describe it as a major fintech and digital banking company by customer count and market presence.

Key facts

  • Nubank was founded in 2013 in Brazil.
  • It operates as a digital-only financial services platform and neobank.
  • The company serves customers in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
  • Outside Brazil, the brand is commonly used as Nu.
  • Its first major product was a fee-free credit card managed through a mobile app.
🍁
Canadian context

Nubank is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a major example of Latin American digital banking and fintech growth, useful for comparisons with Canadian neobanks and financial technology firms.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nubank?
Nubank is a Brazilian neobank and financial technology company that provides digital banking services, primarily through its app.
Who founded Nubank?
Nubank was founded by David Vélez, Cristina Junqueira, and Edward Wible.
Where is Nubank headquartered?
Nubank is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil.
Which countries does Nubank operate in?
Nubank operates in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
What was Nubank’s first product?
Its first major product was a fee-free credit card managed through a mobile app.
Is Nubank the same as Nu?
Yes. Nu is the brand name used outside Brazil, while Nubank is the Brazilian brand name.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nubank
    Supports: Founding year, headquarters, business model, regulatory status, customer scale
  2. Nu International — https://international.nubank.com.br/about/
    Supports: Company description, customer count, markets, brand name Nu
  3. Statista — https://www.statista.com/topics/13226/nubank/
    Supports: Regional position, customer base, product expansion
  4. Nubank — https://building.nubank.com/what-is-nubank/
    Supports: Founding, founders, early product, company positioning
  5. Harvard Business School — https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=58873
    Supports: Early company history and expansion context