Step Named to CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025 List
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – July 21, 2025 – Step, a Gen Z-focused fintech platform, has been recognized on the third edition of CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025. This prestigious honor is presented by CNBC and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on July 16, 2025, and can currently be viewed on CNBC’s website.
The annual list is based on an analysis and weighting of general and segment-specific key performance indicators (KPIs) across categories such as payments, neobanking, alternative financing, wealth technology, digital assets, enterprise fintech, and insurtech. These KPIs were derived from a rigorous evaluation process that included in-depth research into relevant metrics for more than 2,000 eligible companies, using sources like annual reports, company websites, and media monitoring.
Based on the results of this study, Step is honored as one of only 35 neobanks globally recognized on CNBC’s list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025. The recognition highlights Step’s impact and innovation in the fintech industry, particularly in how it bridges finance and culture for the next generation.
“We’re excited to be named one of CNBC’s top fintech companies in the world,” said CJ MacDonald, co-founder and CEO of Step. “Being included on this list is an incredible honor for our team and a testament to Step’s unique role in shaping financial wellness for Gen Z. Our users aren’t just managing money on Step – they’re engaging with it daily, like a social network, to build healthy financial habits. We’re proud to provide the tools and experiences that empower this generation to take charge of their financial future.”
Step’s inclusion on the CNBC list comes amid extraordinary growth and engagement for the company. As Step approaches its five-year anniversary, the all-in-one money app serves more than 6.5 million users helping them borrow, bank and build credit for free.
The company’s approach to blending banking with youth culture has attracted backing from some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. Step’s celebrity investors include social media superstar Charli D’Amelio, NBA champion Steph Curry, pop icon Justin Timberlake, and actor-entrepreneur Will Smith, among others. Their involvement amplifies Step’s mission to empower Gen Z with modern financial tools – from building credit and accessing paychecks early, to personalized money management – all delivered in a way that resonates with how young people live and interact today.
About Step Step is a next-generation financial services platform built for teens and young adults. Founded by CJ MacDonald, Step provides an all-in-one banking solution that helps Gen Z build positive credit, gain early access to their earnings, and develop smart money habits through personalized tools. With over 6 million users and over $3 billion in assets under management, Step offers free FDIC-insured accounts, a secured Step Visa¹ card, and an intuitive app that lets users save, spend, invest, and build credit—all in one place and with no fees. Step’s mission is to empower Gen Z to achieve financial independence through credit building, early pay access, and innovative money management features. The company is backed by notable investors and celebrities and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
