Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and risks faced by Hello's financial service platform "Zhen You Qian" as it approaches the implementation of new lending regulations, highlighting its reliance on a loan facilitation model without direct lending licenses, and the implications of high interest rates and personal data handling practices [2][3][19]. Group 1: Business Model and Regulatory Challenges - Hello has been operating its financial service "Zhen You Qian" for six years but lacks key licenses for direct lending, relying instead on a loan facilitation model [3][19]. - The company has a loan balance exceeding 400 billion yuan, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the loan facilitation industry [3]. - With the upcoming implementation of the "Lending New Regulations," Hello's current partnerships may be deemed non-compliant if it does not make it onto the "white list" of approved institutions [7][19]. Group 2: Partnerships and Collaborations - Hello collaborates with a wide range of financial institutions, including 16 financing guarantee agencies and around 70 third-party institutions, indicating a broad but complex partnership network [4][5]. - Despite having multiple partnerships, only a few institutions have officially recognized Hello as a compliant partner, raising concerns about the sustainability of its business model [7]. Group 3: Interest Rates and Financial Practices - The platform's annualized interest rates range from 4.9% to 36%, with the latter exceeding the judicial protection limit of 24%, raising ethical and legal concerns [8][10]. - Complaints from users indicate that the total cost of borrowing, including various fees, can significantly exceed the advertised interest rates, leading to accusations of predatory lending practices [11][13][14]. Group 4: Data Privacy and Compliance Issues - Hello has faced scrutiny over its handling of personal data, with reports indicating violations related to the collection and sharing of user information without proper consent [17][18]. - The company has been flagged for not adequately informing users about the extent of data collection and for sharing personal information with numerous third parties [17][18]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Risks - The company's aggressive financial strategies, driven by pressure to achieve profitability amid stagnant growth in its core bike-sharing business, may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties [11][19]. - The acquisition of a controlling stake in a listed company does not provide Hello with direct lending capabilities, leaving it vulnerable to regulatory changes that could impact its financial operations [20].
助贷新规临近,哈啰金融或将“伤筋动骨”