Early Life and Career
Vlad Yatsenko was born in August 1983 in East Germany to Ukrainian parents. His early life is not widely documented, but he received education at the Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University. Before co-founding Revolut, Yatsenko honed his skills as a software developer at several prominent financial institutions. He worked at UBS, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Sabre Corporation, and Comarch. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the financial sector and the inefficiencies of traditional banking systems.
Rise to Success
In 2015, Yatsenko co-founded Revolut with Nik Storonsky in London. Storonsky provided the vision and initial capital, while Yatsenko led the technical development, product design, and system scaling. The initial concept was a multi-currency card designed to offer competitive exchange rates and reduce fees for travelers. Revolut quickly expanded its services to include peer-to-peer transfers, cryptocurrency trading, stock trading, insurance, and business accounts. Under Yatsenko's technical guidance, Revolut developed secure and versatile fintech solutions. The company's valuation has grown substantially, reaching $75 billion in November 2025.
Key Business Strategies
Yatsenko's role as CTO has been crucial to Revolut's success. He ensured that the company delivered scalable and secure fintech solutions. Revolut's rapid expansion into new markets and its diverse product offerings, including banking, trading, and cryptocurrency services, are a testament to its innovative approach. The company focuses on providing a seamless user experience and removing the friction associated with traditional banking. Revolut's growth is also driven by its emphasis on a high-achieving culture. The company has a strong focus on innovation and aims to simplify all things money.
Philanthropy
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Revolut, with Yatsenko's involvement, helped raise over $11 million in donations for the Ukrainian Red Cross.