FinWise Bancorp(US:FINW)2026-01-29 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FinWise Bancorp reported a net income of $3.9 million for Q4 2025, with diluted earnings per share of $0.27, reflecting a 26% year-over-year growth in net income [4][16] - Net interest income increased to $24.6 million from $18.6 million in the prior quarter, driven by growth in credit-enhanced balances [17][18] - The net interest margin rose to 11.42% compared to 9.01% in the previous quarter, primarily due to the growth in the credit-enhanced loan portfolio [18] - Non-interest income was $22.3 million, up from $18 million in the prior quarter, mainly due to increases in credit enhancement income [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan originations totaled $1.6 billion in Q4, exceeding guidance of $1.4 billion, bringing full-year originations to $6.1 billion, a 22% increase year-over-year [4][5] - The credit-enhanced product saw balances of $118 million, surpassing the $115 million outlook [5] - Quarterly net charge-offs were $6.7 million, up from $3.1 million in the prior quarter, influenced by updated servicing standards [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SBA loan originations decreased quarter-over-quarter due to processing delays from staffing cuts at the SBA and the government shutdown [13][15] - The total non-performing loan (NPL) balance was $43.7 million at the end of the quarter, with a modest increase of less than $1 million [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building durable, long-term growth by pursuing opportunities that enhance future value, including strategic partnerships and the integration of AI technologies [8][9] - FinWise aims to expand its credit-enhanced loan portfolio while managing risk through disciplined approaches to expense management and operational efficiency [4][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook ahead, emphasizing the stability of credit trends and the potential for continued growth in loan originations [10][22] - The company anticipates a gradual moderation in NPL migration and expects to maintain a stable SBA portfolio while continuing to grow the credit-enhanced segment [22][56] Other Important Information - The company is actively exploring AI opportunities to drive efficiency and automation across various functions, including compliance and operations [8][66] - The efficiency ratio for the quarter was reported at 50.5%, compared to 47.6% in the prior quarter, indicating a focus on sustainable operating leverage [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities to lower CD funding costs - Management indicated that CD funding costs are tied to wholesale funding rates, which may decrease gradually as the Fed lowers interest rates [25] Question: Progression of MoneyRails and BIN Sponsorship potential - Management remains confident in the BIN payments strategy, although the timing may extend beyond initial expectations [26] Question: SBA business outlook and originations - Management noted solid demand for SBA loans, with a slight decrease in originations due to timing delays rather than demand issues [28] Question: Surge in non-interest-bearing deposits - The increase in deposits was attributed to strategic partners preparing for higher student loan volumes, which are expected to decrease as origination volumes normalize [34] Question: Recontracting process with partners - Management reported a historically positive recontracting process, with no significant concerns regarding upcoming contract renewals [39] Question: Impact of fintech obtaining bank charters - Management believes that not all fintechs will benefit from obtaining a bank charter, as it may not align with their business models [41] Question: Cross-selling products with existing partners - Management highlighted the potential for cross-selling products to existing partners, which does not require the same scale as standalone products [45]