Advances AI-Native Capital Platform Strategy Transaction Values Credilab at 1.1× NTA; VCI Global to Retain 30% Equity InterestKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global” or the “Company”) today announced progress on its strategic restructuring, including an agreement to dispose of its fintech subsidiary, Credilab Sdn Bhd (“Credilab”), through a management buyout at an enterprise valuation of approximately US$43.74 million, representing 1.1× net t ...

Core Insights - SoFi Technologies (SOFI) and OppFi Inc. (OPFI) are both players in the fintech lending sector, with SOFI focusing on prime and near-prime borrowers while OPFI targets subprime borrowers [1] Group 1: SoFi Technologies (SOFI) - SoFi continues to innovate, recently launching SoFi Pay for low-cost international payments and a USD stablecoin, indicating a push towards blockchain integration in financial services [2] - The relaunch of SoFi's crypto trading platform aligns with increased investor interest in cryptocurrencies, while the introduction of SoFi Coach aims to provide personalized financial insights [3] - The SoFi Smart Card offers cash-back rewards and credit-building tools, enhancing customer engagement and brand loyalty [4] - Marketing partnerships, such as with NFL MVP Josh Allen, are increasing SoFi's brand visibility among younger consumers [5] - The acquisition of Galileo Financial Technologies has strengthened SoFi's fintech infrastructure, enabling better payment processing and AI-driven engagement tools [6][7] - The integration of Galileo's technology with SoFi's products enhances operational efficiency and innovation, creating a structural advantage [8] Group 2: OppFi Inc. (OPFI) - OppFi's financial performance is driven by its AI and machine-learning-based underwriting engine, Model 6, which has led to significant profitability growth [9] - In Q3 2025, OppFi reported a 136.9% year-over-year increase in net income, while revenues grew by 13.5%, highlighting the efficiency of its business model [10] - The company's auto-approval rate reached 79.1%, improving operational efficiency and leading to a 79% growth in adjusted EPS [11] - OppFi's Model 6.1 upgrade aims to enhance risk pricing precision, with early results showing a decline in net charge-offs [12] - The Loan Origination Lending Application (LOLA) is expected to further improve scalability and operational efficiency, with testing underway [13][14] - OppFi's disciplined credit assessment combined with rising automation positions it well for profitability in a volatile lending environment [15] Group 3: Financial Estimates and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SOFI indicates a 36.8% growth in sales and a 146.7% increase in EPS for 2025 [16] - SOFI's current quarter sales estimate is $981.89 million, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 32.85% [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OPFI shows a 13.6% increase in sales and a 65.3% rise in EPS for 2025 [19] - OPFI's current quarter sales estimate is $159.75 million, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 17.71% [20] - OPFI is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 5.78X, significantly lower than SOFI's 41.91X, indicating that OPFI appears cheaper [22] Group 4: Comparative Analysis - SoFi is viewed as the more compelling investment due to its diversified, platform-driven model that supports balanced growth across cycles [23] - OppFi's efficiency gains are notable, but its business is more closely tied to subprime credit conditions, which may increase risk during economic stress [23]

Core Thesis - Qfin Holdings, Inc. is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity in the Chinese fintech lending sector, which has been negatively impacted by sector-wide pessimism and investor caution regarding China [2][5]. Business Model - QFIN operates a high-margin, capital-light credit-tech platform that connects financial institutions with consumers and SMEs needing small loans, generating fee income through its platform and referral services [2]. - The company's revenue is split evenly between on-balance-sheet lending and off-balance-sheet, capital-light loan facilitation, providing a SaaS-like, high-margin revenue stream [3]. Financial Performance - QFIN's fundamentals are solid, with stabilizing credit performance and a growing mix towards the higher-margin platform segment [3]. - The valuation metrics are attractive, with an EV/EBIT of 2–3× and a P/E of 3×, alongside net cash and shareholder-friendly returns through dividends (~6%) and potential buybacks [4]. Growth Potential - A conservative re-rating to a mid-cycle EV/EBIT of 5–6× suggests potential equity upside of 2–3× from current levels without needing accelerated growth [4]. Market Sentiment - Despite a cautious Q3 guide and minor quarter-over-quarter shifts, QFIN's cash engine remains intact, indicating resilience in its operations [4]. - The company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 26 hedge fund portfolios holding QFIN at the end of Q2, down from 33 in the previous quarter [7].

Core Insights - Shawbrook Group has acquired fintech lending company Imployapp, operating as Playter, to enhance its offerings in the SME lending market [1] - Playter specializes in providing short-term cashflow loans and credit lines to SMEs in the UK, utilizing proprietary technology for automated credit decisions [1][2] - The acquisition aims to combine Playter's technology with Shawbrook's market reach and funding resources to improve access to finance for UK SMEs [4] Company Overview - Playter has facilitated over £100 million in lending to SMEs since 2021, with funds used for various purposes including VAT payments and business expansion [2] - The platform includes 'Ari', an AI broker hub that simplifies the process for commercial finance brokers [2][3] - Playter's CEO emphasized the importance of technology in improving access to finance for SMEs and supporting brokers [3] Strategic Implications - The integration of Playter's team and technology into Shawbrook's existing digital capabilities is expected to enhance the company's service offerings [4] - Shawbrook's commercial chief banking officer highlighted the ongoing reliance of SMEs on advisers and brokers for funding, indicating a strong market demand [5] - The acquisition follows Shawbrook's recent purchase of ThinCats Group, indicating a strategic focus on expanding funding solutions for growth-oriented SMEs [5]

Core Viewpoint - SoLo Funds is currently engaged with the New York attorney general's office regarding concerns over usury practices, following a subpoena received this year [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Engagement - The company is in negotiations with the New York attorney general's office to find common ground on regulatory concerns [2]. - SoLo Funds aims to clarify its operations to New York regulators, emphasizing that it does not operate in a nefarious manner and highlighting its community finance platform [3]. Group 2: Business Model and Legal Challenges - SoLo Funds' business model, which includes a "tip" structure, has attracted scrutiny from regulators in multiple states, who view it as a form of predatory lending [3]. - The company has previously reached agreements with regulators in California, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and Pennsylvania regarding allegations of requiring large "tips" for loan access [4]. - In May 2024, SoLo Funds was sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over its "tip" structure, which was criticized for obscuring the total cost of loans [4][5]. Group 3: Changes and Legal Outcomes - The CFPB alleged that SoLo Funds misled borrowers about the option to forgo a tip and provided loans in states requiring licensing [5]. - Following the lawsuit, SoLo Funds made changes to its platform as per the CFPB's feedback [5]. - The lawsuit was eventually dismissed under the Trump administration, with the acting director of the CFPB stating that the previous bureau's actions were unjust and had significant negative impacts on the company [6].

Core Insights - Both OppFi Inc. (OPFI) and SoFi Technologies (SOFI) are positioned in the fintech lending sector, with OPFI focusing on underserved non-prime customers and SOFI targeting mass-market consumers [1] Group 1: OppFi Inc. (OPFI) - OPFI's niche strategy for non-prime customers allows it to tap into a fintech market projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% from 2025 to 2030 [2] - In Q2 2025, OPFI reported a 12.8% year-over-year revenue growth and a 13.8% increase in net originations, with an improved loan auto approval rate of 80% [3] - Management forecasts full-year revenues between $578 million and $605 million, up from a previous estimate of $563 million to $594 million, and expects adjusted net income to rise to $125-$130 million from $106-$113 million [4] - OPFI's forward P/E ratio is 6.93, significantly lower than its 12-month median of 8.52, indicating a cheaper valuation compared to SOFI [14] Group 2: SoFi Technologies (SOFI) - SOFI added 850,000 members in Q2 2025, bringing total membership to 11.7 million, a 34% year-over-year increase [6] - The company achieved a 34% year-over-year growth in product adoption, with 35% of new products taken up by existing members, indicating effective customer engagement [7] - SOFI's annualized fee-based revenues exceeded $1.5 billion, and its adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 600 basis points, showcasing improved profitability [8] - SOFI's forward P/E ratio stands at 54.82, higher than its median of 50.59, reflecting a premium valuation compared to OPFI [14] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - OPFI's estimated sales and EPS for 2025 indicate year-over-year growth of 12% and 49.5%, respectively, with no recent changes in analyst estimates [12] - SOFI's 2025 sales and EPS estimates show year-over-year increases of 32.3% and 113.3%, with three upward revisions in the past 60 days [13] - Both companies exhibit strong growth narratives, but OPFI's risk management and optimistic guidance enhance investor confidence, making it a potentially more attractive investment due to its lower valuation [16]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring that fintech lending apps are approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to avoid frauds and scams [1] Borrowing Process - The borrowing process through loan apps is described as quick and seamless, involving an online application and eKYC verification, which assesses the borrower's repayment ability through documents like credit reports and bank statements [2] - Once approved, the loan amount is transferred immediately after deducting processing charges [2] Popular Approved Loan Apps - Stashfin offers a credit limit of up to ₹5 lakh with a 30-day interest-free period [3] - Fibe provides loans up to ₹5 lakh in just two minutes, with no foreclosure charges and options for loans against mutual funds [3] Loan Offerings from Various Institutions - Aditya Birla Capital provides instant loans for up to 12 months at an interest rate of 19.45% per annum, and for longer tenures at 20.45% per annum, requiring a minimum credit score of 650 for better approval chances [4] - IDFC First Bank offers loans up to ₹10 lakh starting at 9.99% per annum, with repayment tenures ranging from 9 to 60 months [4] - Money View provides loans up to ₹10 lakh with tenures between 3 to 60 months [5] - Kredit Bee offers loans at interest rates between 12% to 28% per annum for amounts between ₹6,000 to ₹10 lakh, with repayment periods from 6 to 60 months [5] - Lazy Pay allows loans between ₹3,000 and ₹5 lakh without physical documents, requiring KYC and auto-pay setup, with repayment options from 3 to 24 months [5] - CASHe provides loans between ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 with tenures from 9 to 18 months [6] - ZestMoney offers a credit facility of up to ₹2 lakh with no paperwork, repayable in 3, 6, 9, or 12 parts [6] - mPokket provides small loans as a credit limit of up to ₹50,000, requiring PAN, Aadhaar, and proof of education for KYC [6]

Core Insights - Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) focuses on AI and machine learning for credit underwriting, while LendingTree, Inc. (TREE) operates a traditional online lending marketplace [1][2] - PGY has shown significant growth with a 344.6% increase in stock price year-to-date, compared to TREE's 88.8% [11][14] Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY) - PGY has diversified its business model from personal loans to include auto lending and point-of-sale financing, enhancing resilience across economic cycles [3] - The company has established a network of over 135 institutional partners and utilizes forward flow agreements for funding stability [4] - In Q2 2025, PGY recorded its second consecutive quarter of positive GAAP net income and raised its revenue guidance for 2025 to between $1.25 billion and $1.325 billion [5] - PGY's proprietary technology allows lenders to present pre-approved offers, improving credit access with minimal marketing costs [6] - The company operates with minimal on-balance-sheet exposure, maintaining liquidity and minimizing loan write-downs through strategic ABS issuance and forward flow agreements [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PGY's revenues in 2025 and 2026 is $1.31 billion and $1.53 billion, indicating year-over-year growth rates of 28.4% and 16.3% respectively [19] - PGY's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 suggest year-over-year growth of 219.3% and 29.3% respectively [21] LendingTree, Inc. (TREE) - TREE connects consumers with financial service providers and has expanded its offerings to include credit cards and various loan types [8][9] - The company launched its first consumer credit product, WinCard, in 2023, and has initiatives to enhance cross-selling opportunities [9][10] - In Q2 2025, TREE's adjusted EBITDA rose 35% year-over-year, with total revenues expected between $1 billion and $1.05 billion for 2025 [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TREE's revenues in 2025 and 2026 is $1.03 billion and $1.10 billion, implying year-over-year growth rates of 14.9% and 6.8% respectively [22] - TREE's earnings estimates indicate a 37% year-over-year growth for 2025 and 7.5% for 2026 [23] Comparative Analysis - PGY's stock is trading at a lower price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 6.72X compared to TREE's 8.44X, indicating a more attractive valuation [15] - PGY has a return on equity (ROE) of 31.69%, while TREE's ROE is higher at 52.33%, reflecting TREE's efficiency in using shareholder funds [17] - Despite TREE's operational maturity and stability, PGY has a stronger revenue and earnings growth outlook, along with a better valuation [26]

Core Insights - Oportun Financial Corporation (OPRT) and Enova International Inc. (ENVA) are fintech companies focused on providing credit solutions to underserved consumers, utilizing advanced analytics and digital platforms to serve non-prime borrowers [1][4]. Company Performance - OPRT shares have increased by 89.7% year-to-date, while ENVA shares have risen by 15.8% [2][10]. - Oportun's total revenues have experienced a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%, despite a decline in the first quarter of 2025 [7]. - Enova's revenues have shown a CAGR of 17.7% over the last five years, with continued momentum into 2025 [13]. Financial Projections - OPRT anticipates 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to be in the range of $1.10-$1.30, up from 72 cents in 2024, with total revenues expected to be between $945-$970 million [20][22]. - ENVA's consensus estimates indicate a year-over-year revenue increase of 17.8% for 2025 and 14.3% for 2026, with earnings growth of 28.7% and 17.7% for the same years [22][24]. Valuation Analysis - OPRT is currently trading at a price-to-tangible book (P/TB) ratio of 1.22X, while ENVA is trading at 3.31X, indicating that OPRT is undervalued compared to ENVA [10][25][27]. Business Models - Oportun focuses on small-dollar personal loans and financial inclusion, while Enova offers a broader range of products including installment loans and small business loans [29][30]. - Both companies leverage proprietary data analytics and machine learning to enhance underwriting and loan servicing [28]. Strategic Initiatives - Oportun is expanding into new markets and product offerings, including credit cards and secured personal loans, which are expected to drive future financial performance [31]. - Enova's diversified lending portfolio and strong cash flow generation support its growth, although exposure to subprime borrowers poses potential risks [30].

Group 1 - The underbanked and non-prime consumer market presents a significant opportunity for fintech lenders like OppFi to establish a substantial market presence [1] - OppFi has experienced a stellar year, indicating strong performance and potential for growth within the fintech sector [1] Group 2 - The investment case for OppFi is evaluated based on its market positioning and the demand from underbanked consumers [1] - The analysis highlights the importance of understanding macroeconomic trends and corporate earnings in assessing the investment potential of fintech companies [1]