One of the most notable steps in SoFi’s evolution is its acquisition of Galileo in 2020. Galileo is a payment processing and API-based banking platform that has been pivotal in enabling fintech companies to offer financial services traditionally associated with banks. This strategic move allowed SoFi to strengthen its foothold in the financial services sector.

Despite its fintech origins, SoFi has obtained a bank charter, transforming it into SoFi Bank. The charter enables SoFi to offer a wider range of banking services, such as checking and savings accounts, payment processing, and other core banking functions. This change is in line with SoFi’s pursuit of becoming a comprehensive financial services provider, furthering its “one-stop-shop” approach for customers.

While this transformation allows SoFi to expand its product offerings and compete with traditional banks more effectively, it has raised questions about whether the company has lost touch with its fintech roots. Fintech companies are known for their agile, technology-driven approach to financial services, while traditional banks tend to be more conservative and bureaucratic. By obtaining a bank charter and delving into traditional banking services, SoFi runs the risk of losing some of the attributes that made it a standout fintech innovator.

On the flip side, SoFi’s move to become a bank could potentially be a strategic advantage. It can now provide a more seamless and integrated financial experience to its customers by offering both traditional banking services and innovative fintech products under one roof. This convergence of services aligns with the changing consumer expectations in the digital age, where convenience and accessibility are paramount.

SoFi’s identity crisis serves as a microcosm of the broader financial industry’s transformation. As fintech companies evolve and diversify, they often find themselves incorporating traditional banking functions to remain competitive and relevant in the market.