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IOU Financial Inc. Releases Financial Results for the Three and Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2019 and Provides Corporate Update

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IOU FINANCIAL INC. (“IOU” or “the Company”) (TSXV: IOU), a leading online lender to small businesses (IOUFinancial.com), announced today its results for the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2019.

“We continue to execute on our strategy of profitable growth given strong loan origination and revenue performance in the third quarter of 2019. This represents the Company’s seventh consecutive quarter of positive earnings” said Phil Marleau, CEO.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Please refer to the table below for adjustments made to IFRS gross revenue and operating expenses in order to better reflect the actual operating performance of the business.
  • In the third quarter of 2019, the Company funded US$41.4 million in loans (2018: US $36.1 million), representing an increase of 14.5% over Q3 2018. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, the Company funded $112.7 million in loans (2018: US $89.9 million), representing an increase of 25.4% over the same period last year. This was driven by the introduction of new loan products, geographic expansion into Canada as well as the addition of several new strategic partnerships in line with the Company’s growth strategy. This was in line with the Company’s long-term outlook for annual loan origination growth of 25% to 30%.
  • As at­ September 30, 2019, total loans under management amounted to $108.0 million (2018: $84.7 million), representing an increase of 27.4% year over year and is attributable to the growth in loan originations of 25.4% in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The principal balance of the loan portfolio amounted to $54.5 million (2018: $30.2 million), representing an increase of 80.5% and consistent with the Company’s strategy to retain more loans on its balance sheet. The principal balance of IOU Financial’s servicing portfolio (loans being serviced on behalf of third parties) amounted to $53.4 million (2018: $54.5 million), representing a decrease of 2.0%.
  • Adjusted gross revenue increased 46.8% to $6.8 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to Q3 2018 ($4.6 million) due to an increase in interest revenue and servicing income.
  • Interest revenue increased 58.7% to $5.2 million in Q3 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 as a result of the increase in the average commercial loans receivable balance of 67.5% in Q3 2019 compared to Q3 2018. The increase in the interest revenue will lag behind the increase in the average commercial loans receivable balance as loans originated in the latter part of the quarter do not contribute interest revenue for the full quarter. In addition to the timing of the loan origination, other factors can impact the calculation of the portfolio yield such as the number of business days in the period and currency translation.
  • Servicing income increased 21.4% to $1.2 million in Q3 2019 compared to Q3 2018 as a result of the increase in the average servicing portfolio of 9.5% in Q3 2019 compared to Q3 2018 as well as a 0.9 percentage point increase in the servicing portfolio yield from 8.1% in Q3 2018 to 9.0% in Q3 2019. Quicker payoffs and other factors have had a positive effect on the servicing portfolio yield.
  • Adjusted gross revenue increased to $17.4 million (2018: $13.3 million), representing an increase of 30.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
  • Interest expense during the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased 24.3% to $1.1 million (2018: $0.9 million). The increase is attributable to an increase in average borrowings of 40.7% in Q3 2019 compared to Q3 2018 and offset by a 1.3 percentage point decrease in the Cost of Borrowing Rate to 10.4%. In an effort to lower its Cost of Borrowing Rate, the Company closed a new credit facility in the first quarter of 2019 at a rate which is substantially lower than the current Cost of Borrowing Rate. Specifically, the rate on the new credit facility was 6.64% at September 30, 2019 or approximately 3.8 percentage points less than the current Cost of Borrowing Rate. As the company continues to increase borrowings from the new credit facility, the overall Cost of Borrowing Rate is expected to drop in the future. Interest expense during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased to $2.9 million (2018: $2.5 million), an increase of 16.4% compared to the same period last year.
  • Provision for loan losses during the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 increased to $2.4 million (2018: $1.3 million). The increase is attributable to an increase in the average commercial loans receivable balance in the third quarter of 2019 of 67.5% compared to the same period last year and an increase in the Provisional Credit Loss Rate to 18.2% in Q3 2019 compared to 17.1% in Q3 2018 due to a slight increase in delinquencies related to loans originated in Q2 2019. The Company expects the Provisional Credit Loss Rate to vary from quarter to quarter. The Provisional Credit Loss Rate during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was 17.0%. The Company expects the Provisional Credit Loss Rate to average approximately 16.5%. The Provisional Credit Loss Rate is a representation of the expected credit loss within the lifetime of the loan and includes a provision to all current loans (Stage 1 provision). The growth in the principal balance of the loan portfolio contributed approximately 1.0% to 2.0% to the Provisional Credit Loss Rate compared to the Net Credit Loss Rate. Provision for loan losses increased to $5.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 (2018: $3.3 million).
  • The Net Credit Loss Rate increased from 11.1% in the third quarter of 2018 to 12.6% in the third quarter of 2019. The Company expects the Net Credit Loss Rate to vary from quarter to quarter. The Net Credit Loss Rate during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 was 13.2%. The Company expects the Net Credit Loss Rate to average approximately 15%. The Company uses the Net Credit Loss Rate as an alternative measure to the Provisional Credit Loss Rate as it excludes the effect of provisions (reductions) in the allowance for expected credit losses during the period which may not coincide with the actual timing of charge-offs and recoveries.
  • Adjusted operating expenses increased 26.8% or $0.5 million to $2.6 million in Q3 2019 (2018: $2.1 million) due primarily to reinvestments in staff and technology, however the Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio, which is a measure of the Company’s operating efficiency, decreased to 10.1% in the third quarter of 2019 (2018: 10.5%) as the Company increased its loans under management at a greater rate than operating expenses. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, adjusted operating expenses increased 23.8% to $7.4 million (2018: $6.0 million) and the Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio decreased to 9.9% in the first nine months of 2019 from 11.2% in the first nine months of 2018. Operating expenses remained relatively flat at $2.2 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 compared to $2.1 million in the same period in 2018. The reinvestments in staff and technology were offset by the non-recurring gain relating to the revaluation of convertible debentures of $0.5 million in Q3 2019 following the extension of the convertible debentures from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2023.
  • IOU closed on its third quarter ended September 30, 2019 with adjusted net earnings of $769,906 compared to adjusted net earnings of $468,659 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. IOU closed on the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 with adjusted net earnings of $1,544,843, compared to adjusted net earnings of $1,791,184 for the same period last year.
  • IOU closed on its third quarter ended September 30, 2019 with IFRS net earnings of $1,000,614, or $0.01 per share, compared to IFRS net earnings of $600,593 or $0.01 per share for the same period in 2018. IOU closed on the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 with IFRS net earnings of $1,305,740, or $0.01 per share, compared to IFRS net earnings of $2,250,580 or $0.03 per share for the same period last year.
  • Since the establishment of the NCIB on May 1, 2019, IOU repurchased for cancellation 1,222,000 common shares in the market for a total cost of $253,421.

Adjusted and IFRS net earnings

Three-Month

Nine-Month

For the period ended September 30

2019

$

2018

$

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2019

$

2018

$

Interest revenue

5,165,303

3,254,520

12,663,112

9,926,771

Servicing & other income

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1,634,082

1,378,742

4,752,084

3,421,113

Adjusted Gross Revenue

6,799,385

4,633,262

17,415,196

13,347,884

Interest expense

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1,062,039

854,095

2,899,799

2,491,162

Provision for loan losses

2,367,101

1,327,017

5,712,484

3,323,455

Recoveries

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(41,640)

(129,058)

(169,913)

(256,840)

Cost of Revenue

3,387,500

2,052,057

8,442,370

5,557,777

Adjusted Net Revenue

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Adjusted operating expense

2,641,979

2,083,059

7,427,983

5,998,923

Income tax expense/(recovery)

29,487

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Adjusted Net Earnings

769,906

468,659

1,544,843

1,791,184

Adjusted Net Earnings per Share

0.01

0.01

0.02

0.02

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Adjusted Net Earnings

769,906

468,659

1,544,843

1,791,184

 Non-cash gain on sales of loans

734,264

1,088,475

2,356,397

2,490,685

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 Non-cash amortization of servicing asset

(938,051)

(850,415)

(2,844,177)

(1,890,664)

 Non-cash stock-based compensation

(51,084)

(106,126)

(236,902)

(140,625)

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 Non-recurring costs

485,579

485,579

Net Earnings per IFRS

1,000,614

600,593

1,305,740

2,250,580

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Net Earnings per Share

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.03

OUTLOOK

IOU is committed to its strategy of profitable growth. IOU continues to closely monitor the performance of its loan portfolio, capture operational efficiencies and keep costs under control.  IOU is also committed to its strategy of building a resilient funding model. In line with this objective, IOU continues to maintain diversified sources of institutional capital.

The Company intends to grow loan originations by:

    • Identifying, recruiting and partnering with business loan brokers;
    • Forming new strategic partnerships with entities such as banks and small business suppliers and leveraging their relationships with small businesses to add new customers;
    • Expanding its product offering to allow it to serve small businesses whose needs are not met by its current products;
    • Investing in direct marketing and sales; and
    • Continuing its expansion into Canada.

These efforts are key to achieving the Company’s long-term outlook for loan origination growth of 25% to 30% annually.

IOU’s financial statements and management discussion & analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 have been filed on SEDAR and are available at www.sedar.com.

CONFERENCE CALL

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The Company will hold a conference call at 4:30 (EDT) on November 18, 2019, to discuss its financial results. The dial-in number to access the conference call from Canada and the United States is 1 (888) 231-8191 (toll-free), conference ID: 1559245

CORPORATE UPDATE

The Company also announced today changes to its board of directors (the “Board”). Serguei Kozmine tendered his resignation as a director of the Company and the Board has appointed Lucas Timberlake to fill this Board vacancy.

Lucas Timberlake has been a Partner with Fintech Ventures Fund, LLLP, a financial technology-focused investment firm, since 2015. Since assuming his current role, Mr. Timberlake has held several board director positions with technology-enabled lending companies in the small business and real estate lending sectors, and currently serves on the board of directors for GROUNDFLOOR Finance. Previously, Mr. Timberlake was part of the investment team with Antarctica Capital, an international private equity firm focusing on real assets and insurance opportunities. Mr. Timberlake began his career as an investment banking analyst with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Mr. Timberlake holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Columbia College of Columbia University.

“We thank Mr. Kouzmine for his services to the Board over these past years, and welcome Mr. Timberlake to IOU’s Board”, said Philippe Marleau, CEO.

 

SOURCE IOU Financial Inc.

Fintech PR

DAMAC International Expands Presence in APAC with New Office in Hong Kong

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Strategic launch to cater to the growing demand for luxury real estate across Asia-Pacific

HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DAMAC International, a global leader in luxury real estate, has officially opened its new office in Hong Kong, marking its third office in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This expansion is part of DAMAC’s broader vision to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, renowned for its rapid investment growth. The Hong Kong office is a strategic gateway to the APAC market. It allows DAMAC to better serve its expanding clientele by offering direct access to its prestigious properties in Dubai and other international locations, such as London and Miami.

The Hong Kong office will provide investors across the region access to personalised services, offering exclusive insights into DAMAC’s luxury residential towers, branded residences, and lifestyle communities. As demand from the APAC region continues to rise, DAMAC is poised to offer high-end real estate investment opportunities that cater to the needs of discerning clients.

Talking about the opening, Abbas Sajwani, Board Member, DAMAC International, stated: “This is yet another milestone in our expansion into the APAC region. The new office will allow us to be closer to our clientele. It is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and commitment to providing top-tier investment opportunities in luxury development.”

By establishing this new office, DAMAC continues positioning itself as a leading player in the global real estate market. It further strengthens its ability to connect with clients to provide unparalleled luxury investment opportunities for long-term value.

About DAMAC International

DAMAC International has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering award-winning residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region and internationally, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maldives, Canada, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom.

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Since then, the company has delivered more than 47,000 homes with over 40,000 more in diverse planning and development phases. Joining forces with some of the world’s most eminent fashion and lifestyle brands to create tremendous living experiences, such as with Versace, Roberto Cavalli, or de GRISOGONO. With a consistent vision and momentum, DAMAC is building the next generation of luxury living across the globe.

Live the Luxury.

Visit us at www.damacgroup.com 

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GTN and SBI Group collaborate to launch “SBI Saudi Arabia Equity Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)”

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The launch marks the first ETF dedicated to investing in the Saudi Arabian stock market listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GTN and SBI Holdings announced on October 30 at FII 8th Edition 2024 in Riyadh the launch of the “SBI Saudi Arabia Equity Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)”- a groundbreaking ETF dedicated to investing in the Saudi Arabian stock market and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This fund marks a significant milestone as it represents the first ETF focusing exclusively on Saudi equities to be accessible to Japanese investors.

The collaboration between GTN and SBI Group stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May 2024 in Tokyo at the Saudi Japan Vision 2030 Event in the presence of H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, the Minister of Investment.

Inspired by Vision 2030, the ETF is expected to reflect the performance of the Saudi market and attract Japanese investors due to Saudi Arabia’s significant economic transformation, sustainable growth, and advanced financial infrastructure. The ETF will be managed to achieve investment results linked to the “MSCI Saudi Arabia Index (yen equivalent basis)”. SBI Asset Management received the regulator’s approval, and the ETF was successfully listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on October 31, 2024. 

As per the MOU signed between the parties, SBI Asset Management will be responsible for creating, managing and promoting the ETF in Japan, while GTN will provide research, execution, clearing and settlement services to the ETF. 

SBI Group is a strategic investor of GTN and a key partner in GTN’s expansion plans in Asia.   

The Chairman of GTN and its mother company NTG, Mohammed Rashid Al Ballaa said: “We are excited about the collaboration between SBI Group and GTN to launch the first-ever Saudi-focused ETF in Japan. SBI Group has access to over 10 million customers and is ideally suited to promote an ETF linked to the Saudi market in Japan. This milestone was achieved thanks to Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, the visionary leader and founder of SBI Group.” “The ongoing support of the Saudi Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia were also essential success factors in reaching this milestone,” said Mr. Al Ballaa.      

At the FII conference in Riyadh, Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao said: “I am excited to be in the Kingdom and see the development that has taken place over the past few years. I am also excited to see the unfolding of the Vision 2030. I am confident that the Saudi Arabia ETF will provide Japanese investors the opportunity to participate and be part of the growth journey of Saudi Arabia.” 

About GTN

GTN is a fintech pioneer with decades of success, holding broker-dealer and capital markets services licenses in multiple jurisdictions through subsidiaries. We are committed to empowering brokers, banks, asset managers, and fintechs with scalable and innovative investment and trading solutions that enable access to a comprehensive network of global markets and multiple asset classes, making investment and trading accessible to all.

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GTN brings together a diverse team of over 500 talented individuals spread across Brazil, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, united by a shared passion and purpose: empowering clients and transforming the accessibility to investment and trading opportunities for all.

GTN is backed by strategic investors IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and SBI Group, one of the largest financial services firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. To learn more, visit www.gtngroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About SBI Group

Over 25 years of successful track record, SBI Group has become one of the largest FinTech companies in Japan. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the SBI Group has over 19,000 employees and 685 group companies. SBI Group’s main businesses are financial services, asset management, investment business, Crypto-assets and Next Gen businesses such as biotechnology, healthcare and Web3.

SBI Group companies include SBI Securities, Japan’s number one online securities company, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Japan’s largest internet bank in terms of deposit amount, and a variety of other financial companies.

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CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique appoints Enid Yip as CEO of CBH Asia

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GENEVA, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Swiss private banking group CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique announces the appointment of Enid Yip as the new CEO of its subsidiary CBH Asia. Mrs Yip will also lead the Asia Regional Committee. Based in Hong Kong, CBH Asia is a key part of the Group’s strategic commitment to expand its presence in the region.

Concurrently, Patrick Wong, who has overseen the Asia business since 2017, has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Mr Wong will continue to manage Operations, Regulatory and Compliance, and IT, while Mrs Yip will focus on enhancing the firm’s client offering and driving business development in line with the Group’s long-term strategy for Asia. With its entrepreneurial approach and exclusive and bespoke investment offering, CBH Asia offers compelling advantages to clients and relationship managers in the region.

A seasoned executive, Mrs Yip brings over 25 years of experience in successfully growing wealth management institutions in Asia. Most recently she was with LGT. Prior to that, she was a Member of the Board at Bank J. Safra Sarasin, having previously served as their Chief Executive Officer, Asia, overseeing the bank’s expansion in the region. Earlier in her career, Mrs Yip held various senior positions in the private banking industry.

Simon Benhamou, CBH Bank Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Enid’s calibre to lead CBH Asia. Her extensive experience and strong leadership will be instrumental in furthering our growth in key Asian markets. Our people are our greatest asset and with Enid’s strong commitment to our core values of entrepreneurship and teamwork, we are confident that she will further strengthen CBH Asia’s success. We extend our best wishes to Enid on her appointment.”

Mrs Yip said: “I am delighted to be joining a Group that fosters an environment where we can achieve great results by pursuing excellence with creativity. I am determined to expand CBH’s footprint in the region, building on our established expertise and maintaining our long-term vision of adding value for both clients and stakeholders.”

About CBH | Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique

CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique is a family-owned Swiss banking group founded in 1975. Headquartered in Geneva, the Group currently counts close to 309 professionals in 10 locations around the world. As of December 31st, 2023 client assets totaled CHF 14.3 billion and the Group’s Tier 1 ratio was 43%, placing it among the best capitalized banks in Switzerland compared to its peers.

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CBH Group provides wealth management services to private and institutional clients, as well as several complementary business lines, including family office solutions, asset services & structuring, exclusive private markets expertise, and bespoke daily banking and card solutions.

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