# Kristo Käärmann

> Kristo Käärmann is co-founder and CEO of Wise (formerly TransferWise).

Source: https://www.neobank.wiki/wiki/kristo-kaarmann
Last updated: 2026-08-11
Categories: Financial technology, Fintech founders, People in fintech, Neobank founders

**Kristo Käärmann** is co-founder and chief executive officer of [Wise](/wiki/wise). An Estonian entrepreneur and former Deloitte consultant, he co-founded TransferWise after personal frustration with bank FX fees.[^fn1]

## Career

With Taavet Hinrikus, Käärmann built Wise into a public multi-currency account and remittance company operating under EMI-style licences—often compared with [neobanks](/wiki/neobank) for its consumer money app while remaining payments-first.

## Wise

Kristo Käärmann is principally associated with [Wise](/wiki/wise). See that article for products, licensing and market context.

## Infobox

- **Occupation**: Fintech founder
- **Known for**: Wise CEO / co-founder
- **Company**: Wise
- **Founded company**: 2011
- **Associated HQ**: London, United Kingdom

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Kristo Käärmann?

Kristo Käärmann is co-founder and CEO of Wise (formerly TransferWise).


## References

[^fn1]: Kristo Käärmann is a founder of Wise, covered on neobank.wiki. — https://neobank.wiki/wiki/wise