Revolut launched in 2015 as a financial technology project co-founded by Vlad Yatsenko, who serves as the company's chief technology officer. Born in the German Democratic Republic in 1983, Yatsenko transitioned from a career in banking software development to building a multi-currency payment platform that reached a $75 billion valuation by November 2025.
Early Development and Education
Yatsenko grew up as the son of a Soviet armed forces officer. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, his family relocated to Yuzhne, near Odesa. He began coding at age 15, occasionally writing programs on paper due to restricted computer hardware access. In 2000, he enrolled in the computer science program at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, financing his technical familiarity by serving as a computer lab administrator. He completed his degree with honours in 2006.
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Professional activity began at the Polish firm Comarch in Kraków. By 2010, Yatsenko moved to London to take a senior developer position at UBS. His career trajectory continued within the financial sector through roles at Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. While stationed at Credit Suisse, he engaged with financier Nik Storonsky to launch a new venture. This partnership resulted in the creation of Revolut, an app designed for currency exchange.
Operational Scale and Corporate Growth
At the time of the Revolut launch, Yatsenko held a 20 percent stake in the company. As the platform expanded, he managed a technical workforce numbering approximately 500 programmers by 2020. His equity position adjusted as the firm secured external funding; reports indicated his holding was approximately 3.97 percent in late 2020, likely shifting to 3.87 percent following subsequent valuation rounds. Forbes ranked him as the 1,913th wealthiest person in 2026, with an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion.
Philanthropic and Personal Commitments
Yatsenko maintains residences in London and holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and Ukraine. He is married with two children. His philanthropic efforts include a 2021 donation of €100,000 to The Late Late Toy Show Appeal, alongside a pledge to match contributions up to €1 million. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he publicly opposed the conflict, while Revolut provided £1.5 million in support to the Red Cross.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, German Democratic Republic
- Current Role: Chief Technology Officer, Revolut
- Education: Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University
- Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Ukraine
- 2026 Forbes Ranking: 1,913th wealthiest globally
- 2026 Net Worth: US$2.2 billion
Questions readers ask
What is Vlad Yatsenko's primary professional role?
He is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of the fintech company Revolut.
Where did Vlad Yatsenko receive his formal education?
He attended the Faculty of Computer Science at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, graduating in 2006.
Achievements
- Educated at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University
- Worked as programmer and chief technology officer
