Core Insights - OppFi Inc. is a technology-driven specialty finance company that provides unsecured installment loans to borrowers who lack access to mainstream credit [1] - The company has developed a digital lending platform through partnerships with banks, enhancing its ability to serve its target market [1] Company Overview - OppFi Inc. operates in the specialty finance sector, focusing on unsecured loans [1] - The company targets borrowers who are typically underserved by traditional financial institutions [1] Business Model - The digital lending platform of OppFi is designed to streamline the loan application and approval process, making it more accessible for borrowers [1] - Partnerships with banks are a key component of OppFi's strategy, allowing it to leverage existing financial infrastructure [1]

Core Insights - Open Lending Corporation has appointed Todd C. Hart to its Board of Directors as a Class II director, effective September 25, 2025, to support the company's growth strategy [1][3] - Mr. Hart has over 35 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries, with a focus on executive leadership and strategic transactions [2] - His previous roles include CEO of Narragansett Bay Insurance Company and Glacier Group, and he has a strong background in risk management and financial services [2][3] Company Overview - Open Lending Corporation (Nasdaq: LPRO) specializes in lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, providing loan analytics, risk-based pricing, risk modeling, and default insurance to auto lenders across the United States [4] - The company has been empowering financial institutions for over 20 years to create profitable auto loan portfolios with reduced risk and increased rewards [4]

With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be left in the cold. https://t.co/9Fn7omj4GY(Illustration: Samantha Lee for Forbes; Photos: Abadonian, NurPhoto/Contributor, Tetra Images, Anna Reshetnikova via Getty Images) ...

Core Insights - Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund's second-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights the impact of trade policy uncertainty and subsequent market recovery, with the S&P 500 achieving a 10.94% gain by the end of Q2 [1] - The fund's Class A shares outperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index during the same period [1] Company Highlights - Upstart Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UPST) is identified as a key stock in the fund's portfolio, specializing in AI-driven lending solutions [2][3] - Upstart's stock experienced a one-month decline of 10.37% but saw a significant 57.72% increase over the past 52 weeks, closing at $62.38 with a market capitalization of $6.002 billion on September 23, 2025 [2] - The company reported strong fiscal-first quarter results, with stable credit quality and growth in new lending products, including auto loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) [3] - Management raised its full-year guidance slightly, although they expressed caution regarding ongoing economic uncertainty [3]

WeDo Business Finance has appointed Aman Gill as the new head of credit risk and underwriting, a newly created role. The appointment is aimed at enhancing the company's ability to expedite funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Gill has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. Before joining WeDo Business Finance, Gill was part of Bibby Financial Services, where he held the position of head of trade services and corporate underwriter, focusing on structuring and un ...

A viral TikTok video exposing high student loan interest rates has sparked nationwide outrage over lending practices where teenagers feel trapped in debt they cannot understand or escape. Alyssa Jeacoma, 26, discovered that her student loans carry interest rates as high as 17%, which is higher than many credit cards, despite making $1,500 monthly payments for two years. Her tearful TikTok, filmed outside a TJ Maxx where she says she couldn’t afford to shop, has been viewed 6.9 million times and ignited co ...

Fintech Home Equity Lender Aven Doubles Valuation To $2.2 Billionhttps://t.co/epD73LWEpD https://t.co/vkAJiP3XZA https://t.co/EGbseameFu ...

Core Insights - Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:FIGR) has reached an all-time high of $42.74, reflecting strong investor interest ahead of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [2][3] - The company utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate connections between lenders and borrowers in the home loan market, positioning itself to benefit from lower borrowing rates [3][4] Group 1 - Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. extended its winning streak to hit another all-time high, closing up 8.44% at $40.48 [2] - The anticipated interest rate cut by the US central bank is expected to increase demand for mortgages, refinancing, and home equity loans, benefiting lenders [4] - The company claims to fund home equity loans in just 10 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 42 days [4] Group 2 - Figure Technology Solutions debuted on the Nasdaq exchange, raising $787.5 million from the sale of 31.5 million shares [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of tariffs on small businesses in the U.S., highlighting a surge in demand for short-term credit lines from lending startups as companies seek to manage increased costs associated with tariffs on imported goods [2][15]. Lending Startups - Slope, a lending startup founded in 2021, has seen a 730% year-over-year increase in credit line applications as businesses face higher tariffs [15]. - The firm typically serves businesses with annual revenues up to $25 million and can approve loans of up to $250,000 instantly and up to $3 million within two business days [6][15]. - Other lending startups like Clearco and Wayflyer have also reported significant increases in loan applications, with Clearco extending 46% more loans in July and August compared to the same months in 2024 [6][15]. Impact of Tariffs on Businesses - Tariffs averaging 50% on Chinese goods have created immediate financial pressure on importers, forcing them to seek credit to cover duties that must be paid upon arrival of goods [15]. - Small importers are increasingly relying on credit lines to finance imported merchandise, as tariffs create substantial upfront costs before sales can be made [7][15]. - A New Jersey-based importer took a 60-day credit line from Slope to cover $300,000 in duties, indicating the necessity of advance funds to manage cash flow [8][9]. Price Adjustments and Consumer Impact - Businesses are passing tariff costs onto consumers, with some increasing prices by 15% to 20% to cover higher tariffs [10][16]. - The American consumer has not yet felt the full effects of the trade war, as price hikes from tariffs typically take time to reach retail prices [4][15]. Industry Adaptation - Companies are adapting to the tariff environment by seeking short-term financing to maintain liquidity and manage operational costs [7][11]. - Some businesses, like a health and beauty brand, are securing credit lines in anticipation of future tariff increases, indicating a proactive approach to financial management [11][16]. - The article notes that the current tariff situation is forcing many small businesses to work harder to maintain profitability, with some potentially exiting the market while others may gain market share [12][16].

Core Insights - CIM Group has successfully closed loans totaling $73.5 million, which are backed by two Hilton branded hotels [1] Group 1 - The loans are specifically tied to properties under the Hilton brand, indicating a strategic focus on established hospitality brands [1] - The total amount of loans closed is $73.5 million, highlighting significant financial activity in the hospitality sector [1]