Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bancorp reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.28 for the fourth quarter, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth [4] - Gross Deposit Value (GDV) increased by 16% for the quarter compared to the prior year [4] - Revenue growth for the quarter was 3% year-over-year, excluding credit enhancement income [4] - Return on Equity (ROE) reached a record 30.4% for the quarter and 28.9% for the full year [8] - Total assets increased to $9.4 billion, up 7% from the prior year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sponsorship balances ended at $1.1 billion, up 40% from the third quarter and 142% year-over-year [5] - The total loan portfolio increased by $919 million to $7.26 billion, with consumer fintech loans constituting 15% of the portfolio [8] - Non-interest income, excluding credit enhancement, accounted for just over 30% of revenue in the quarter, with approximately 90% of fees coming from the fintech business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits in the quarter were $7.6 billion, with an average cost of 177 basis points [9] - Delinquency rates declined from 2.19% at the end of the third quarter to 1.6% at the end of the fourth quarter [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Bancorp is focused on three main fintech initiatives aimed at creating significant shareholder value [5] - The company is targeting a guidance of $5.90 EPS for 2026 and $8.25 EPS for 2027, which includes stock buybacks [12] - The strategy emphasizes platform efficiency, productivity gains from restructuring, and AI tools [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the EPS guidance for 2026 and highlighted the positive impact of tax season on business [21] - The company anticipates continued growth in credit sponsorship and overall fintech business, with significant improvements in credit metrics [9][10] - Management acknowledged challenges from legal fees and the unexpected duration of the government shutdown affecting GDV [18][19] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $150 million of its stock in the fourth quarter, totaling $375 million for the year [11] - Criticized assets decreased from $268 million to $194 million, a 28% decline quarter-over-quarter [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more building blocks to help bridge the EPS gap? - Management indicated large revenue opportunities and confidence in upcoming initiatives, including credit sponsorship and the embedded finance platform [16] Question: What were the primary drivers affecting fourth-quarter results? - Key drivers included legal fees, the impact of the government shutdown on GDV, and the timing of credit sponsorship growth [18][19] Question: Can you discuss the economics of off-balance sheet deposits? - Management explained that off-balance sheet deposits are used to optimize funding costs and generate revenue as deposit growth exceeds balance sheet capacity [22][41] Question: What is the plan for the Aubrey property? - The company is nearing cash flow break-even and is looking for exit opportunities to maximize value [32][34] Question: How does the company view the threat of fintechs obtaining their own bank charters? - Management believes many partners will not seek licenses and highlighted the scalability and low-cost benefits of their platform [36][39] Question: What is the expectation for net interest margin (NIM)? - Management expects some compression in NIM as the company shifts towards fintech, but anticipates an increase in fee revenue as a portion of total revenue [60][61]

Berlin-based embedded finance platform Solaris has a new chief executive.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 PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.Carsten Höltkemeyer, the firm’s CEO, stepped down at the end of 2025, the company said in its ...

Core Viewpoint - Inbank has successfully raised €5.3 million through a direct offering, increasing its market value to €236 million, which reflects strong investor confidence in its business model and financial performance [1][3]. Group 1: Capital Raise Details - Inbank issued 265,000 new shares at a price of €20 each, with a nominal value of €0.10 and a share premium of €19.90 [1]. - The subscription period for the share offering was from 15 December 2025 to 29 December 2025 [1]. - Following the capital increase, Inbank's share capital will amount to €1,178,816.30, and the total number of shares will be 11,788,163 [1]. Group 2: Strategic Positioning - The additional capital will enable Inbank to support the expansion of Mobire Group, a full-service car rental company fully acquired by Inbank in November 2025 [2]. - Inbank operates as a financial technology company with an EU banking license, connecting merchants, consumers, and financial institutions through its embedded finance platform [3]. - The company partners with over 5,900 merchants and has more than 915,000 active contracts, collecting deposits across seven European markets [3]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Marko Varik, CFO of Inbank, expressed satisfaction with the strong interest in the share issue, indicating broad-based support from both existing and new investors [3]. - The capital raise has led to Inbank's market value reaching an all-time high of €236 million, showcasing investor confidence in the company's long-term value proposition [3].

Core Insights - Olea Global Pte Ltd has successfully completed a $30 million Series A funding round, led by BBVA with participation from XDC Network, theDOCK, and SC Ventures [1][2][3] Funding and Investment Focus - The capital raised will be directed towards innovation in AI-driven analytics, Web3 readiness, and high-growth solutions like embedded finance, aligning with evolving client needs [2] - This funding follows a previous facility announced in November 2024, arranged by HSBC & Manulife | CQS Investment Management [2] Strategic Partnerships and Expansion - BBVA's role as a lead investor will accelerate Olea's expansion into new markets across Europe, the US, Latin America, and Asia, focusing on digital supply chain solutions and risk analytics [3] - Olea aims to strengthen its capabilities in tokenized and stablecoin-enabled trade flows through its partnership with XDC Network [4] - Collaboration with theDOCK will open new commercial pathways and ecosystem partnerships for Olea [4] Company Vision and Achievements - Olea has established a platform supported by risk management and holds a Capital Market Services license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, facilitating over $3 billion in financing to suppliers and buyers since its launch in 2022 [4] - The company connects global liquidity with trade and supply chain opportunities, emphasizing its role in economic development, particularly in emerging markets within Asia [4] - Olea currently supports suppliers and buyers in over 70 trade corridors, showcasing its extensive origination network [4]

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), an enterprise technology and innovation partner, and Aptys Solutions, a provider of end-to-end payments solutions, this week announced a strategic partnership to accelerate payments modernization and simplify how financial institutions (FIs) connect to and manage payments services across networks and channels. The partnership will enable FIs to enhance efficiency, reduce operational risk, and improve customer and member experiences.Aptys Solutions delivers a unified payments plat ...

Core Thesis - Fiserv, Inc. is viewed as a "fallen angel" at a strategic inflection point, with potential for long-term growth despite recent challenges and a significant share price decline [4][5]. Company Overview - Fiserv, Inc. provides essential banking infrastructure and payment solutions across the U.S., but has faced challenges due to an overemphasis on Payments, leading to a 39% decline in share price over the past year [2]. - As of December 1st, Fiserv's shares were trading at $62.69, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 9.69 and 7.39 respectively [1]. Strategic Changes - Under the leadership of new CEO Mike Lyons, Fiserv is consolidating 16 core platforms into five strategic cores, aiming to simplify legacy infrastructure and enhance client experience [3]. - This re-architecture is intended to restore operational agility and long-term profitability, with the company maintaining a 12% return on equity (ROE) and expected earnings growth of around 10% annually, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.7 [3]. Growth Initiatives - Strategic acquisitions, such as Smith Consulting and StoneCastle Cash Management, are enhancing Fiserv's capabilities in community banking and deposit management, supporting its ambitions in embedded finance [4]. - Fiserv's assets, including Clover and its partnership with ADP, serve over one million small and medium-sized business (SMB) clients, positioning the company for a return to growth [4]. Market Sentiment - Despite market pessimism and execution fatigue leading to a 69.02% depreciation in stock value since previous coverage, the current strategic initiatives and platform consolidation are seen as key drivers for a potential turnaround [5].

Core Insights - Visa Inc. is transforming its growth narrative by focusing on consumer engagement, cross-border transactions, and digital advancements, leading to increased transaction volumes in both developed and emerging markets [1][4] Group 1: Growth Drivers - The adoption of tap-to-pay technology is rising, driven by mobile wallets and contactless cards, enhancing consumer preference for seamless transactions [1] - Cross-border transactions are increasing as international tourism rebounds, with a reported 11% year-over-year growth in cross-border volume excluding Europe in Q4 fiscal 2025 [2][8] - Visa's partnership with Chase to launch the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business aims to provide enhanced travel perks and premium benefits for business owners [2] Group 2: Technological Advancements - Investment in AI-driven fraud detection and payment routing is reducing declined transactions for merchants, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty [3][4] - Strengthening partnerships with fintech companies and embedded finance platforms is broadening Visa's reach beyond traditional cardholders [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Mastercard and American Express are also enhancing customer engagement and benefiting from increased travel demand, with Mastercard reporting a 13% increase in net revenues and American Express showing a 9% rise in total revenues year-over-year [5][6] Group 4: Financial Performance and Estimates - Visa's shares have increased by 5.7% over the past year, contrasting with a 12.8% decline in the industry [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Visa's fiscal 2026 earnings suggests an 11.7% increase from the previous year, with expected earnings per share of $12.81 [10][11]

Group 1 - Green Dot has been exploring strategic alternatives since March due to shrinking profit margins and reported a loss of $26.7 million for 2024 [3] - The company has entered into acquisition agreements with Smith Ventures and CommerceOne Financial Corp, with Smith Ventures acquiring Green Dot's nonbank fintech business for $690 million in cash [6] - Green Dot shareholders will receive a minimum of $14.23 per share, with shareholders owning about 72% of the combined company post-transaction [5] Group 2 - The acquisition will involve $470 million distributed to Green Dot shareholders, $155 million invested into the bank as a capital infusion, and $65 million allocated to pay off debt [6] - The transactions are expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval [6] - CommerceOne and Green Dot Bank will form a publicly traded bank holding company that will serve as the exclusive issuing bank for the fintech [6]

Core Viewpoint - Wohl & Fruchter LLP is investigating the fairness of the proposed sale of Green Dot Corporation, which involves a cash payment of $8.11 per share and shares in a new bank holding company [1] Group 1: Proposed Sale Details - Green Dot shareholders will receive $8.11 in cash and 0.2215 shares of a new publicly traded bank holding company [1] - Smith Ventures will acquire Green Dot's non-bank financial technology business assets, which will operate independently [1] Group 2: Shareholder Value Assessment - Green Dot's CFO estimated the value for shareholders at approximately $14.23 per share following the deal announcement [2] - Analyst Mike Arnold previously projected Green Dot's stock price could rise to $30.00 per share due to recent partnerships and successes in embedded finance [2] Group 3: Analyst Opinions - Analyst Mike Arnold criticized the proposed sale as a "horrible deal" and suggested that it should be rejected by shareholders [3]

Summary of Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT) M&A Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Green Dot Corporation - **Industry**: Embedded Finance and Banking Key Points and Arguments 1. **Transaction Overview**: Green Dot is entering a significant transaction with Smith Ventures and CommerceOne, aiming to unlock shareholder value and provide growth opportunities for stakeholders [4][5][6] 2. **Acquisition Details**: Smith Ventures will acquire Green Dot's non-bank embedded finance business, while CommerceOne will acquire Green Dot Bank, becoming a publicly traded bank holding company [5][8] 3. **Shareholder Compensation**: Green Dot shareholders will receive $8.11 in cash and 0.2215 shares of the new CommerceOne per Green Dot share, equating to a total value of approximately $14.23 per share [5][9] 4. **Pro Forma Tangible Book Value**: The combined entity is expected to have a pro forma tangible book value of approximately $490 million, with Green Dot shareholders owning about 72% of this value [8][9] 5. **Commercial Agreement**: CommerceOne will enter a seven-year commercial agreement to be the exclusive provider of bank sponsorship services to Green Dot's embedded finance platform [5][11] 6. **Growth Opportunities**: The merger is expected to create synergies, allowing CommerceOne to leverage Green Dot's embedded finance business for growth, particularly in the deposit generation and lending sectors [12][16][18] 7. **Market Positioning**: The combination aims to position CommerceOne as a diversified bank with multiple growth drivers, enhancing profitability and capital generation [12][19] 8. **Strategic Focus**: The focus will be on improving the asset mix, leveraging deposit capabilities, and expanding into the embedded finance sector [14][15][16] 9. **Regulatory and Shareholder Approval**: The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approvals, with a commitment to compliance and risk management [40][42][44] Additional Important Content 1. **Non-GAAP Financial Measures**: The call referenced non-GAAP financial measures, emphasizing their usefulness for investors while not substituting GAAP financial information [3] 2. **Market Context**: The banking industry is undergoing structural changes, with new non-bank competitors emerging, necessitating a shift in how banks fund their operations [15][32] 3. **Future Investments**: There are plans to invest in compliance and risk management infrastructure to support growth in the embedded finance sector [16][17] 4. **Employee Acknowledgment**: The leadership expressed gratitude towards Green Dot employees for their hard work and commitment in building the company [21][47] This summary encapsulates the essential elements discussed during the conference call, highlighting the strategic direction and anticipated outcomes of the merger between Green Dot, Smith Ventures, and CommerceOne.