How does a YouTube star with 447 million subscribers plan to handle people’s money? MrBeast, the internet sensation known for wild stunts and massive giveaways, is now eyeing the banking world. His company Beast Holdings LLC filed a trademark application on October 13 with big plans for financial services.
The filing reveals ambitious goals including short-term cash advances, investment management, and financial education services. MrBeast also wants to offer credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency exchange capabilities, and even decentralized trading features. It’s like combining a traditional bank with a crypto platform and wrapping it in a mobile app designed for young people.
This move makes sense when you consider MrBeast’s massive Gen Z following. Young adults often struggle with financial literacy and feel disconnected from traditional banks. A platform that combines banking tools with educational content could appeal to this demographic. After all, who better to teach money management than someone who famously gives away millions of dollars on camera?
The banking venture joins MrBeast’s growing business empire. He’s already launched Beast Mobile phone service, created the Feastables chocolate brand, and started Lunchly food products. CEO Jeffrey Housenbold helps coordinate these various business ventures under the Beast Industries umbrella. The empire’s success is evident as Beast Industries generated over $400M last year amid rising media costs.
MrBeast isn’t entirely new to financial technology. He previously backed Current, a neobank for teens and young adults. His investment history also includes connections to crypto wallet companies and NFT platforms, suggesting he understands blockchain technology and digital finance. Traditional banks typically spend $300-$700 per customer acquisition through expensive marketing campaigns and branch networks.
However, filing a trademark application is very different from actually running a bank. Licensed financial institutions face strict regulations and require substantial infrastructure. Unlike dividend aristocrats that demonstrate consistent financial performance over decades, MrBeast’s venture would need to prove reliability in an entirely different arena. The gap between a trademark filing and a functioning financial platform remains huge.
The real question is whether Gen Z will trust their money to a YouTuber, even one as successful as MrBeast. His brand built on entertainment and generosity might translate well to financial services, especially with an educational focus. But handling people’s savings and investments requires a different kind of trust than making viral videos.
Time will tell if MrBeast’s audience is ready to bank with their favorite content creator.
