Klarna is searching for a New York‑based finance chief as part of a wider leadership shake‑up at the “buy now, pay later” lender, as it seeks to become a regulated bank in the US. The US‑listed company said its current chief financial officer Niclas Neglén and chief marketing officer David Sandström would step down from their roles at the start of next year. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said having a stronger presence in New York is important for investor relations and the stock market.

The announcement came alongside Klarna’s second‑quarter earnings, which showed lower full‑year guidance after weaker retail spending in Germany. Shares plunged 22.9%, closing the day with a market capitalisation of about $5.7bn. Despite the drop, Klarna reported a second consecutive profitable quarter with net income of $9mn, up from a $53mn loss a year earlier, and revenue grew 27% year‑on‑year to roughly $1bn. Average revenue per active consumer rose 24% year‑on‑year to $33.70. Gross merchandise volume is now expected between $149bn and $151bn for the full year, below the prior $155bn forecast.

Klarna blamed the guidance cut on lower German retail spending and a $600mn foreign‑exchange hit. The company is transforming to operate more like a traditional bank, offering savings and interest‑bearing loans, and applied for a US banking licence with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC. It already holds a European banking licence and sees the US as its largest growth market, aiming to deepen customer relationships with a broader product suite.