Octopus Ventures Adds Zihao Xu to Investment Team

London, UK and New York-based venture capital firm Octopus Ventures has added Zihao Xu, e-commerce entrepreneur and former management consultant, to its investment team. Xu has joined Octopus Ventures as an Investment Associate from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants with six years of consultancy experience spanning across the aerospace, defence, automotive, industrials and private equity sectors. An entrepreneur himself, he is also as the founder of a sunglasses and lifestyle brand Canopy Sunglasses.

Spotlight

SMC Group

Established In 1990, SMC is a well-diversified financial services company in India offering services across brokerage (across the asset classes of equities (cash and derivatives), commodities and currency), investment banking, wealth management, distribution of third party financial products, research, NBFC financing, depository services, insurance broking, clearing services, mortgage advisory, alternate investment fund (AIF) and real estate advisory services to corporate, institutional, high net worth individuals and other retail clients.

OTHER ARTICLES
Financial Management

Why Payments-as-a-Service is the first choice for FIs

Article | February 13, 2024

The pace of change within the global payment’s technology space is still at full speed with no sign of slowing down. While traditional incumbents have until recently taken comfort in their size and decades of dominance, new digital-only challenger banks are ramping up and making a huge impact on the global financial landscape.

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Investment Management

BIG TECH IN FINANCE: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE FUTURE OF FINTECH

Article | March 22, 2024

The following article looks at Big Tech and its impact on the financial services sector. Whilst competition from small fintech startups will certainly take away some market share from traditional banks, the impact of “GAFA” could be huge. The fintech movement did more than unbundle banking and its core services — it spurred financial inclusion across Asia, increased overall economic growth, and made significant inroads into the finance value chain. The born-digital companies brought technology to the forefront, attacking the traditional risk-averse sector from various points — digital payments, insurance, P2P lending, and investment management, among other avenues.

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Fintech

How Fintechs Expanding in Latin America Can Build Trust with SMEs

Article | March 5, 2024

Small businesses in emerging economies are notoriously underfinanced. Despite making up over 99.5% of the economy in Latin America, SMEs face a financing gap in the trillions of dollars. For example, up to 78% of small businesses in Argentina and 45% in Peru struggle to grow because of financial constraints. Numerous articles and institutional white papers point to the lack of trust between banks and SMEs as a major cause of this financing gap. Banks simply do not know how to accurately calculate small business risk, especially in volatile economies in Latin America, so they offer high interest rates or pass on providing credit altogether.

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Could Google Acquire Tesla For $250 Billion?

Article | February 10, 2020

In the following analysis, we take a look at why Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) could be an attractive acquisition target for Google (NASDAQ:GOOG). We break down our analysis into three parts: what Tesla would stand to gain, what Google would stand to gain, and a scenario where Tesla’s value could rise to $1.5 trillion aided by a deal with Google.

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Spotlight

SMC Group

Established In 1990, SMC is a well-diversified financial services company in India offering services across brokerage (across the asset classes of equities (cash and derivatives), commodities and currency), investment banking, wealth management, distribution of third party financial products, research, NBFC financing, depository services, insurance broking, clearing services, mortgage advisory, alternate investment fund (AIF) and real estate advisory services to corporate, institutional, high net worth individuals and other retail clients.

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Financial Management

Priority Announces Strategic Technology Partnership with Treasure Financial

Priority | December 11, 2023

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. a leading provider of unified commerce solutions to businesses that accelerate cash flow and optimize working capital, has announced a strategic partnership with Treasure Financial Inc., a leading financial technology innovator in treasury management technology. Priority’s integration with Treasure Financial’s cutting-edge embedded yield API will enable Priority’s customers to allocate their excess working capital to an investment account across a diversified portfolio comprising premiere, secure vehicles such as Treasuries, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), Government-backed money market funds, and professionally managed fixed-income instruments. This innovative partnership with Treasure provides Priority’s customers with a truly unified commerce platform that allows them to manage the point of sale or receivables payments in their Passport financial account in more ways. The integration offers Treasure’s higher-yielding investment capabilities and leverages the modern payables tools of Passport to optimize working capital on a single platform. “We are on a mission to change the way businesses, large and small, think about their payment solution providers by providing technology and services as revenue accelerators to grow their businesses and drive efficiency in their operations, and not as another cost center,” noted Thomas Priore, Chairman and CEO of Priority. At a time when operational efficiency and capital management optimization for businesses of all sizes remains paramount, the combination of Priority’s payments and banking capabilities and Treasure’s investment platform are disruptors to traditional business banking and cash management strategies. Each portfolio is actively managed by Treasure’s expert in-house investment team. Advanced algorithms help guide a thoughtful investment approach to cash management and yield generation. “The inclusion of Treasure’s capabilities into our unified commerce engine and treasury service offering brings us to the next level with cutting-edge cash management solutions,” states Al Acevedo, Senior Vice President of Treasury Services at Priority. “We are excited to launch this investment offering into our SMB, B2B and Enterprise channels so that our 800+ thousand customers may access a variety of investment and treasury management options from our trusted partner directly from their Passport account,” added Acevedo. “We are proud to partner with Priority to leverage the Treasure API and embed our corporate-grade cash management offering directly on the Priority Passport platform. This partnership is a testament to Treasure’s capabilities and will enable Priority’s customers to constantly maximize the yield on their idle cash without leaving the platform. This first-of-its-kind embedded finance partnership between Treasure and Priority is a huge step forward for the payments industry,” said Ben Verschuere, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Treasure Financial. ISOs, ISVs, finance professionals, and businesses interested in learning more about the Treasure and Priority partnership should contact their Priority representative or visit PriorityCommerce.com. About Priority Technology Holdings, Inc Priority is a solutions provider in Payments and Banking as a Service (BaaS) operating at scale with 820K active customers across its SMB, B2B and Enterprise channels. Priority processes $118B in annual transaction volume and provides administration for $850M in average daily deposits. Priority’s purpose-built technology enables clients to collect, store, borrow and send while providing customers acceptance of AP payment applications and Passport financial tools that best optimize their cash flow and maximize working capital.

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Fintech

KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to APL Finance 2023-1 Designated Activity Company

KBRA | December 08, 2023

KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to four series of notes issued by APL Finance 2023-1 Designated Activity Company and APL Finance 2023-1 LLC (together, Ashland 2023-1), an aviation loan ABS transaction. Ashland 2023-1 represents the inaugural aviation loan ABS transaction that is sponsored and serviced by Ashland Place Finance LLC (APL or the Company). The Company is owned by Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (DKCM), and, together with DKCM, is comprised of over 500 individuals operating out of seven offices with headquarters in New York City. Proceeds from the Notes will be used to acquire a portfolio of 11 loan facilities (the Facilities) comprised of 26 loans (the Assets, and together with the Facilities, the Portfolio). The 11 Facilities are limited recourse facilities. As of October 31, 2023, the Portfolio has an initial aggregate loan balance of approximately $350.8 million, an average Asset balance of $13.5 million, and a weighted average remaining loan term of approximately 2.8 years. The Portfolio has a weighted average seasoning of 18 months. The Facilities are secured by 19 narrowbody aircraft (56.4%), three widebody aircraft (40.0%) and four narrowbody host aircraft engines (3.6%) (the Underlying Collateral) on lease to 12 lessees located in 11 jurisdictions. As of October 31, 2023, the Underlying Collateral has a weighted average age of 10.0 years (excluding the engines) and an initial appraised value of approximately $612.2 million based on the average of half-life base values provided by three third-party appraisers as of the second quarter of 2023. Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com. About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

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Investments

Green Home Loans from PrimeLending Finance Energy Efficient Upgrades for Homeowners

PrimeLending | December 07, 2023

National residential mortgage lender PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (PrimeLending), proudly offers Green Home Loans, a range of mortgage solutions for homeowners who want to finance environmentally beneficial upgrades to homes they are purchasing or already own. Energy efficient upgrades not only reduce a home’s carbon footprint, they also can increase property values and save money over time. Energy efficiency is a growing concern for American homeowners according to a 2023 study by Thumbtack1 that found 71% of homeowners said sustainability is absolutely a priority for this year’s home projects, yet nearly one-third (32%) still consider sustainable, energy efficient home upgrades too expensive. “Green Home Loans are a huge win for PrimeLending customers by helping to remove financial obstacles to making energy efficient upgrades,” said Tim Elkins, Chief Production Officer at PrimeLending. “We are committed to offering mortgage solutions that align with our customers' goals, such as saving money, increasing property value, and protecting the planet.” PrimeLending’s Green Home Loans are mortgage solutions that allow borrowers to finance certain green improvements, such as: Energy-efficient windows and doors Solar panels or solar-powered appliances Roof, floor, or wall insulation Energy-saving HVAC systems and appliances PrimeLending’s Green Home Loans include FHA, VA, USDA, conventional and renovation loan options and may offer favorable interest rates, repayment terms, and other benefits for the borrower. Consumers can connect with a PrimeLending home loan expert for more information. About PrimeLending PrimeLending is a national home lender combining personal guidance and local expertise with fast service, more choices and the flexibility to meet homeowners’ unique needs. PrimeLending is focused on empowering its customers to pursue their homeownership goals, whether they’re looking to buy, refinance, renovate or build a home. The PrimeLending team works alongside our customers in all 50 states, helping them make home financing decisions and have a rewarding experience along the way. PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH). More information at www.PrimeLending.com. Equal Housing Lender. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change.

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Financial Management

Priority Announces Strategic Technology Partnership with Treasure Financial

Priority | December 11, 2023

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. a leading provider of unified commerce solutions to businesses that accelerate cash flow and optimize working capital, has announced a strategic partnership with Treasure Financial Inc., a leading financial technology innovator in treasury management technology. Priority’s integration with Treasure Financial’s cutting-edge embedded yield API will enable Priority’s customers to allocate their excess working capital to an investment account across a diversified portfolio comprising premiere, secure vehicles such as Treasuries, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), Government-backed money market funds, and professionally managed fixed-income instruments. This innovative partnership with Treasure provides Priority’s customers with a truly unified commerce platform that allows them to manage the point of sale or receivables payments in their Passport financial account in more ways. The integration offers Treasure’s higher-yielding investment capabilities and leverages the modern payables tools of Passport to optimize working capital on a single platform. “We are on a mission to change the way businesses, large and small, think about their payment solution providers by providing technology and services as revenue accelerators to grow their businesses and drive efficiency in their operations, and not as another cost center,” noted Thomas Priore, Chairman and CEO of Priority. At a time when operational efficiency and capital management optimization for businesses of all sizes remains paramount, the combination of Priority’s payments and banking capabilities and Treasure’s investment platform are disruptors to traditional business banking and cash management strategies. Each portfolio is actively managed by Treasure’s expert in-house investment team. Advanced algorithms help guide a thoughtful investment approach to cash management and yield generation. “The inclusion of Treasure’s capabilities into our unified commerce engine and treasury service offering brings us to the next level with cutting-edge cash management solutions,” states Al Acevedo, Senior Vice President of Treasury Services at Priority. “We are excited to launch this investment offering into our SMB, B2B and Enterprise channels so that our 800+ thousand customers may access a variety of investment and treasury management options from our trusted partner directly from their Passport account,” added Acevedo. “We are proud to partner with Priority to leverage the Treasure API and embed our corporate-grade cash management offering directly on the Priority Passport platform. This partnership is a testament to Treasure’s capabilities and will enable Priority’s customers to constantly maximize the yield on their idle cash without leaving the platform. This first-of-its-kind embedded finance partnership between Treasure and Priority is a huge step forward for the payments industry,” said Ben Verschuere, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Treasure Financial. ISOs, ISVs, finance professionals, and businesses interested in learning more about the Treasure and Priority partnership should contact their Priority representative or visit PriorityCommerce.com. About Priority Technology Holdings, Inc Priority is a solutions provider in Payments and Banking as a Service (BaaS) operating at scale with 820K active customers across its SMB, B2B and Enterprise channels. Priority processes $118B in annual transaction volume and provides administration for $850M in average daily deposits. Priority’s purpose-built technology enables clients to collect, store, borrow and send while providing customers acceptance of AP payment applications and Passport financial tools that best optimize their cash flow and maximize working capital.

Read More

Fintech

KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to APL Finance 2023-1 Designated Activity Company

KBRA | December 08, 2023

KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to four series of notes issued by APL Finance 2023-1 Designated Activity Company and APL Finance 2023-1 LLC (together, Ashland 2023-1), an aviation loan ABS transaction. Ashland 2023-1 represents the inaugural aviation loan ABS transaction that is sponsored and serviced by Ashland Place Finance LLC (APL or the Company). The Company is owned by Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (DKCM), and, together with DKCM, is comprised of over 500 individuals operating out of seven offices with headquarters in New York City. Proceeds from the Notes will be used to acquire a portfolio of 11 loan facilities (the Facilities) comprised of 26 loans (the Assets, and together with the Facilities, the Portfolio). The 11 Facilities are limited recourse facilities. As of October 31, 2023, the Portfolio has an initial aggregate loan balance of approximately $350.8 million, an average Asset balance of $13.5 million, and a weighted average remaining loan term of approximately 2.8 years. The Portfolio has a weighted average seasoning of 18 months. The Facilities are secured by 19 narrowbody aircraft (56.4%), three widebody aircraft (40.0%) and four narrowbody host aircraft engines (3.6%) (the Underlying Collateral) on lease to 12 lessees located in 11 jurisdictions. As of October 31, 2023, the Underlying Collateral has a weighted average age of 10.0 years (excluding the engines) and an initial appraised value of approximately $612.2 million based on the average of half-life base values provided by three third-party appraisers as of the second quarter of 2023. Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com. About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

Read More

Investments

Green Home Loans from PrimeLending Finance Energy Efficient Upgrades for Homeowners

PrimeLending | December 07, 2023

National residential mortgage lender PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (PrimeLending), proudly offers Green Home Loans, a range of mortgage solutions for homeowners who want to finance environmentally beneficial upgrades to homes they are purchasing or already own. Energy efficient upgrades not only reduce a home’s carbon footprint, they also can increase property values and save money over time. Energy efficiency is a growing concern for American homeowners according to a 2023 study by Thumbtack1 that found 71% of homeowners said sustainability is absolutely a priority for this year’s home projects, yet nearly one-third (32%) still consider sustainable, energy efficient home upgrades too expensive. “Green Home Loans are a huge win for PrimeLending customers by helping to remove financial obstacles to making energy efficient upgrades,” said Tim Elkins, Chief Production Officer at PrimeLending. “We are committed to offering mortgage solutions that align with our customers' goals, such as saving money, increasing property value, and protecting the planet.” PrimeLending’s Green Home Loans are mortgage solutions that allow borrowers to finance certain green improvements, such as: Energy-efficient windows and doors Solar panels or solar-powered appliances Roof, floor, or wall insulation Energy-saving HVAC systems and appliances PrimeLending’s Green Home Loans include FHA, VA, USDA, conventional and renovation loan options and may offer favorable interest rates, repayment terms, and other benefits for the borrower. Consumers can connect with a PrimeLending home loan expert for more information. About PrimeLending PrimeLending is a national home lender combining personal guidance and local expertise with fast service, more choices and the flexibility to meet homeowners’ unique needs. PrimeLending is focused on empowering its customers to pursue their homeownership goals, whether they’re looking to buy, refinance, renovate or build a home. The PrimeLending team works alongside our customers in all 50 states, helping them make home financing decisions and have a rewarding experience along the way. PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH). More information at www.PrimeLending.com. Equal Housing Lender. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change.

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