Core Viewpoint - A comprehensive case review into the 2005 death of author-journalist Hunter S. Thompson has confirmed the original conclusion by authorities that he took his own life [1] Group 1 - The Colorado Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough review, including autopsy records [1]

Core Insights - Affirm is seeking to establish a bank subsidiary named Affirm Bank to enhance its financial services and product offerings [2][3] - The proposed bank will be a Nevada-chartered industrial loan company, allowing Affirm to scale operations while being FDIC-insured [2][3] - Affirm's CEO, Max Levchin, emphasized that the banking subsidiary would diversify the platform and provide more accessible financial products to consumers and merchants [4] Company Developments - Affirm has submitted applications to the Nevada Financial Institutions Division and the FDIC for the establishment of Affirm Bank [2] - If approved, Affirm Bank will operate independently with its own governance and internal controls [3] - The establishment of the bank is part of Affirm's strategy to expand access to financial products, particularly for younger consumers and those underserved by traditional credit systems [5] Industry Context - The trend among FinTech companies, including Affirm, is to pursue bank charters to broaden product lines and streamline access to the U.S. financial system [6] - Other FinTechs, such as Revolut, are also seeking banking licenses to enhance their service offerings in the competitive retail finance market [6]

About Affirm Affirm's mission is to deliver honest financial products that improve lives. By building a new kind of payment network—one based on trust, transparency, and putting people first—we empower millions of consumers to spend and save responsibly, and give thousands of businesses the tools to fuel growth. Unlike most credit cards and other pay-over-time options, we never charge any late or hidden fees. Follow Affirm on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X. SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)- ...

The U.S. financial technology sector could experience a significant upswing as President Donald Trump shifts his focus to affordability, according to analysts.Affordability Shift Favors FintechsTrump’s recent policy shift is causing investors to reconsider parts of the financial sector, with a potential emphasis on affordability that could favor fintech challengers over traditional lenders, reported Reuters on Thursday, citing a Citigroup Inc. note.Companies offering consumer-friendly credit and small-busin ...

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Affirm has partnered with FinTech company Esusu to enable some people to pay their rent in two installments, CNBC reported Thursday (Jan. 22), citing an Affirm spokesperson.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNT ...

Affirm Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:AFRM) stock has been ripping higher, returning investors about 30% over the past year. Analysts have price targets suggesting at least 30-40% upside, and retail optimism is building — but Kerrisdale Capital says the entire rally is built on a familiar and dangerous illusion.Track AFRM stock here.In a sharply worded short report, Kerrisdale branded Affirm a "Buy Now, Cry Later" story, arguing the BNPL leader is following the same subprime credit playbook that has burned lenders fo ...

Core Insights - Affirm is piloting a program to help renters split their monthly rent into two equal payments every two weeks at 0% APR, in partnership with Esusu [1][3] - The program aims to provide a flexible option for managing housing expenses, aligning payments with biweekly paychecks [3] - Affirm underwrites each application individually, ensuring that only those who can responsibly afford repayments are approved [5] Group 1: Program Details - The pilot program allows renters to make payments without hidden fees, late fees, or compounding interest [1] - Esusu assists renters in building credit by reporting on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus [2] - The official rollout date of the pilot program has not been confirmed as it is still in early stages [8] Group 2: Industry Perspectives - Analysts suggest that this program could be beneficial for those on tight budgets, but caution that it is too early for a definitive assessment [8] - Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) services, particularly if consumers manage multiple loans simultaneously [11] - The payment method is linked to a debit card or checking account, emphasizing the importance of having sufficient funds to cover payments [12]

Core Viewpoint - The shift towards buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) options among younger consumers presents a significant opportunity for companies like Affirm, which is well-positioned to benefit from this trend [1][4]. Industry Overview - BNPL has gained immense popularity, transforming short-term credit into a convenient checkout option on e-commerce platforms and digital wallets [2]. - Approximately 90 million Americans utilized BNPL services last year, with an average monthly spend per user reaching $244 [3]. Company Positioning - Affirm, a leading BNPL operator, allows consumers to spread payments over time through short-term installment loans, primarily earning fees from merchants rather than charging interest [5][6]. - The average order value for Affirm's short-term products is $100, with funding available for purchases ranging from $35 to $1,000 [6]. Financial Performance - Affirm's gross merchandise volume (GMV) surged from $20.2 billion to $36.7 billion, marking a 38% increase last year [10]. - The company has reduced its operating loss from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $87 million last year, achieving its first profitable quarter on a GAAP basis with an operating income of $63.7 million [15]. Strategic Partnerships - Affirm has established partnerships with major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Shopify, leading to a 70% increase in total partner volume over the last year [11]. Future Projections - The company projects a GMV of $47.5 billion for its 2026 fiscal year, with anticipated operating margins of 7.5% [16].

Core Viewpoint - Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) is positioned to benefit from recent market changes, particularly in the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector, as banks tighten lending criteria and consumers seek alternative financing options [2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Affirm Holdings, Inc. is a financial technology company primarily known for its Buy Now, Pay Later services [2]. - The stock has experienced a decline of 2.9% year-to-date [2]. Group 2: Market Context - Significant volatility in payments and financial technology stocks occurred in January following President Trump's suggestion of a 10% APR cap for credit cards [2]. - Mizuho noted that BNPL companies like Affirm could benefit from the tightening of bank lending criteria [2]. Group 3: Analyst Insights - Wolfe Research initiated coverage of Affirm in December, assigning a Peer Perform rating with a price target range of $72 to $82, emphasizing the company's growth in the 0% APR loan market [2]. - Jim Cramer has frequently discussed Affirm, praising its performance and indicating that it would benefit from the recent market changes, noting a four-point increase in stock price following Trump's remarks [2].

Key Takeaways AFRM upgraded underwriting by adding real-time bank balances and cash flow signals to credit decisions.The approach is live for card users and opt-in banking links, helping thin credit profiles.AFRM says the richer view can lift purchasing power and credit quality.Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM) recently upgraded how it evaluates credit risk by embedding richer real-time financial signals into its underwriting process, like up-to-the-minute bank account balances and cash flow trends. Instead of r ...