Wise Reports Strong Q4 Growth Ahead of US Listing
Wise Plc posted solid financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by strong growth in cross-border transactions and customer activity. The London-based payments company is moving forward with its planned U.S. stock market listing, expected to take place on May 11.
Cross-Border Volumes and Income Surge
Cross-border transaction volume increased by 27% year-on-year to £49.4 billion in Q4 FY26, compared to £39.1 billion in the same period last year. Underlying income rose 24% to £435.3 million, up from £350.4 million in Q4 FY25.
Take Rate Declines as Investment Continues
Wise reported a slight decline in its cross-border take rate, which fell by one basis point to 51 basis points during the quarter. This continues a downward trend from 67 basis points in Q4 FY24, reflecting the company’s strategy to invest in pricing and long-term growth.
Full-Year Growth Driven by Customer Expansion
For the full fiscal year 2026, Wise recorded strong growth across key metrics. Active customers increased by 21% to 18.9 million, while total cross-border volume rose 25% to £181.7 billion. Underlying income reached £1,609.2 million on a reported basis.
Instant Transfers and Customer Balances Increase
The share of instant transfers grew to 75% in Q4 FY26, up from 65% a year earlier. Customer balances also rose significantly to £22.6 billion, compared to £17.1 billion at the end of Q4 FY25.
Revenue Growth Across Key Segments
Revenue from cards and other services climbed 29% year-on-year to £130.2 million in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Wise Business continued to expand, with active business customers rising 26% to 572,000. Business-related cross-border volume increased by 35% over the same period.
Strategic Expansion and Product Development
Chief Executive Kristo Käärmann highlighted continued progress in building Wise’s global payments network. The company recently became one of the first payment institutions to gain membership with Payments Canada, enabling direct market access.
Wise also launched its UK current account offering, supported by a physical branch on Regent Street in London.
Outlook and US Dual Listing Plans
Wise expects its FY26 underlying profit before tax margin to remain toward the upper end of its target range, excluding costs related to its dual listing.
The company has filed a Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, although it has not yet been declared effective. Wise aims to complete its dual listing this quarter, targeting May 11, with its primary listing shifting to the United States while maintaining a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange.
