SoFi to purchase Galileo for $1.2 billion to expand banking tech

SoFi to purchase Galileo for $1.2 billion to expand banking tech
The acquisition will help the online lender build up its technology for brokerage and investment services
APR 07, 2020
By  Bloomberg

Social Finance Inc. agreed to pay $1.2 billion in cash and stock for Galileo Financial Technologies, a startup that creates applications for card issuers and payments platforms.

SoFi already uses Galileo for its cash-management product, and the acquisition will help the company build up its technology for brokerage and investment services, a company representative said Tuesday.

Galileo builds “bank in a box” technology that powers the checking-account services at digital banks including Chime Inc. and Monzo Bank Ltd. The Carson Group was one of the first wealth managers to offer clients digital banking services through the company in May.

Adding Galileo will give SoFi access to technology it didn’t previously own, while extending the reach of its products to other partners in the U.S. and abroad, according to a statement.

“We will partner to build on our companies’ strengths to drive even greater financial-technology innovation,” SoFi Chief Executive Officer Anthony Noto said in the statement.

Galileo’s existing partnerships will continue under the deal, and it will operate as an independent subsidiary of SoFi, according to the company.

The transaction is the latest consolidation in the fintech industry that’s included deals between PayPal Holdings Inc. and Honey Science Corp., Visa Inc. and Plaid Technologies Inc., and TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. and Charles Schwab Corp.

Latest News

Investing in stocks? Here are the top 8 questions you need to answer before you start
Investing in stocks? Here are the top 8 questions you need to answer before you start

Looking to refine your strategy for investing in stocks in the US market? Discover expert insights, key trends, and risk management techniques to maximize your returns

Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business
Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business

The RIA led by Merrill Lynch veteran John Thiel is helping its advisors take part in the growing trend toward fee-based annuities.

RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking
RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking

Driven by robust transaction activity amid market turbulence and increased focus on billion-dollar plus targets, Echelon Partners expects another all-time high in 2025.

New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales
New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales

The looming threat of federal funding cuts to state and local governments has lawmakers weighing a levy that was phased out in 1981.

Human Interest and Income Lab streamline workflows for retirement-focused advisors
Human Interest and Income Lab streamline workflows for retirement-focused advisors

The fintech firms' new tools and integrations address pain points in overseeing investment lineups, account monitoring, and more.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.