DIGITAL-ONLY Varo Bank has a reputation for innovation and inclusion. Founded in 2017, the US-based bank has three million accounts and reports year-on-year deposit increases of 900 percent — and a 300-plus percent hike in platform spending. Its focus on inclusion has attracted impact investors including NBA star Russell Westbrook and U2 singer Bono; total funding stands at $482.4m. Varo supports under-served communities, and offers above-market interest on savings and fee-free cash advances. Varo is the first digital bank to achieve full-service charter status. Winner of the 2021 Most Inclusive Digital Bank (US) award, say the BV judges.
