Fintech
Hank Payments Reports Third-Quarter Financial Results with Revenue Growth of 24% Year over Year, Record Gross Margins Approaching 90% and Continued Strong ARR and LUM
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – May 30, 2022) – Hank Payments Corp. (TSXV: HANK) (“Hank” or the “Company”), a North American leader in consumer FinTech Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) announced today record quarter-over-quarter organic revenue growth, record gross margins, continued strong ARR and LUM (defined below) and, in addition to the B2C application of personal financial wellness through automating payments management resulting in improved household cash flow and debt management and overall financial hygiene, acceleration of its B2B go-to-market strategy to become the industry-leading Enterprise SaaS payments platform.
Headquartered in Canada with operations in the United States, Hank is on a mission to transform outmoded personal financial wellness and consumer financial technology through offering a best-in-class payments platform and payment management capabilities. Hank’s modern, elegant and proprietary cloud-based solution is revolutionizing the way both consumers and lenders alike manage payments with speed, automation, ease-of-use and best-in-class service as well as B2B SaaS Enterprise solutions that allow Hank to power bank, lender, originator, debt settlement companies and gig-worker platforms.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – CONTINUED STRONG FINANCIAL FUNDAMENTALS
- Revenue for the third quarter ended March 31, 2022, grew 24% year over year to $1,378,598. (Nine month $3,863,691, 21%)
- Gross margins grew to an unprecedented 89.2% in keeping with our historical trajectory.
- Revenue quarter over quarter grew 6% as the Company benefits from the recovery in the auto industry.
- Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Liabilities under Management (LUM) continue to remain strong.
OPERATING AND STRATEGIC MATTERS – EVOLUTION TO THE ENTERPRISE AND FEALTY TO SHAREHOLDER VALUE
The Company’s historical B2C sales channel, being the SME auto dealer channel, continues to perform well and has resulted in predictable consumer growth, consumer loan payment performance and related analytics, generating for the Company stable and predictable revenue growth and providing the resources and expertise necessary to win larger contracts in that channel and allowing the Company to focus on the additional goal of advancing its B2B SaaS Enterprise customer opportunities.
The Company is pleased with the exceptional level of interest and demand it has received in the Enterprise SaaS space. As a result, the Company is, as a natural progression in its evolution, pivoting its head count, other resource and expense base focus from B2C retail customer digital sales strategies in favor of negotiating potentially significant revenue generating (and expense efficient) B2B Enterprise SaaS licensing contracts that allow Hank to power bank, lender, originator, debt settlement companies and gig-worker platforms.
On the expense side of the ledger, operating expenses in the quarter grew in part due to investments in digital marketing and related overhead, public company expenses, technology platform advancements to support Enterprise SaaS proposals as well as costs associated with evaluating potential strategic transactions.
The Company has in a prudent manner addressed this by identifying and acting on several cost reduction measures post-quarter end, namely the elimination of various roles not directly contributing to the B2B Enterprise SaaS strategy, which will result in significant ongoing cost savings as Hank now focusses on the execution of highly accretive SaaS Enterprise licensing deals and strategic partnerships that will when finalized enable the penetration of mass markets, with markedly lower customer acquisition costs and lower relative customer service costs as scale is achieved.
On the M&A front, the Company has conducted a top-to-bottom analysis of its in-process acquisitions funnel with a laser focus on the amount of accretion of Hank shareholder value resulting from said acquisitions in relation to the amount of dilution that Hank shareholders will incur from said acquisitions and has determined that it will not be proceeding with the two transactions identified, including the previously announced mortgage servicing transaction. On balance, the organic growth the Company is currently enjoying and anticipated to enjoy from its current opportunities funnel will bring more users to the Hank platform than proceeding with the two proposed acquisitions, without the Company incurring the execution and integration risks and costs associated with said acquisitions. The Company is open to evaluating accretive transactions, however, strategically the Company has determined that expenditure of its resources is best suited to support the near-term demand from Enterprise SaaS accounts.
GENERAL CORPORATE MATTERS
The Company has granted a total of 150,000 stock options of Hank under its Stock Option Plan, with an exercise price of $0.15 and an expiry date of May 30, 2024. The options are subject to the standard provisions of the Hank’s Stock Option Plan. Jeff Guthrie President & COO will be leaving the Company for personal reasons to attend to a family member illness effective May 31, 2022. The Company and its Board of Directors wishes him and his family member best wishes during this challenging personal period. A comprehensive discussion of Hank’s financial position and results of operations is provided in the financial statements and MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ending March 31, 2022, filed on SEDAR.
Commenting on the quarter and year to date results, Michael Hilmer, Chairperson and CEO comments: “I am very pleased with the work the team has done to grow the SME channels business while evaluating transactions and related planning for our Enterprise SaaS funnel. I personally want to thank Jeff for his dedication to Hank and offer my heartfelt good wishes for a speedy resolution of his family health situation. I would also like to thank our other existing and departing team members for their exceptional hard work as we qualified opportunities and set Hank on a strong and disciplined expense and growth path. I am most excited about the magnitude and economics of the Enterprise SaaS funnel which continued to build in many strategic verticals, as well as key partnerships we look forward to announcing through summer in conjunction with lower operating costs and expected increases in gross dollar margin.”
About Hank Payments Corp.
Hank is a SaaS based consumer Fintech company. The industry leading Hank cloud-based software platform (the “Hank Platform“) acts as a consumer’s financial budget manager using powerful technology to automate a consumer’s personal cash flow and payments. Through its FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insured bank partners in the U.S., Hank helps consumers in all 50 States find funds in their existing cash flow and speed up the retirement of liabilities. The Hank Platform instructs its banking partners to debit consumers when they have cash, store the money in FDIC insured accounts, then automatically pay bills and loans as they come due; often sooner than required. Approximately half of Hank’s customers are financially sound and use the Hank Platform for convenience, while the other half improve their payment performance through the Hank Platform. Hank’s customers pay setup and ongoing monthly processing fees while remaining on the Hank Platform for an average of three years. Hank continues to innovate and anticipates launching more expansive state of the art features to its expected growing customer base to provide greater visibility into their cash flow, credit performance, and viability to borrow or refinance at lower rates, including introducing Hank customers to interested lenders.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “estimate” and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company’s expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company’s business. Financial performance figures in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise indicated by “U” representing United States Dollars.
The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions, including, without limitation, the Shares beginning trading on the TSXV. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
For more information regarding Hank Payments Corp., please contact: Jason Ewart, EVP Capital Markets, at 1-833-HANKPAY. For Investor Relations please contact [email protected] and visit the Company’s website at www.hankpayments.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Fintech
Fintech Latvia Association Releases Fintech Pulse 2024: A Guide to Latvia’s Growing Fintech Hub
The Fintech Latvia Association has launched the latest edition of its annual publication, Fintech Pulse 2024, unveiling insights and resources that position Latvia as a thriving hub for European fintech.
Announced at this year’s Fintech Forum, the magazine is now available in digital format, offering a comprehensive guide for fintech professionals and entrepreneurs navigating the Latvian market and exploring its advantages.
This issue covers essential topics, from support tools provided by Latvijas Banka and newcomer roadmaps to Riga’s investor resources and fintech education opportunities. Readers will find the latest fintech news from Latvia, coverage of this year’s key industry events, and member insights on the future of fintech. The Fintech Landscape section provides a comprehensive overview of the Latvian fintech ecosystem.
Tina Lūse, Managing Director of Fintech Latvia Association, expressed excitement about the ecosystem’s growth: “We are excited to unveil the third annual edition of Fintech Pulse. This year has been pivotal for our ecosystem, and together with public sector stakeholders, we are enhancing financial inclusion, democratizing investments, and driving innovation throughout the sector. This is a testament to Latvia’s emergence as a fintech hub, establishing itself as an equal partner in innovation and support within the Baltic region.”
Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens highlighted Latvia’s fintech potential in the magazine, stating: “Latvia has already made strides in adapting its regulatory framework to support a stable financial system. Now, we encourage financial market players to invest in modern technologies to meet the growing demand for inclusive financial services and solidify Latvia’s position in the fintech landscape. We are confident that with the combined offer of the government, Latvijas Banka and Riga city, we are a great place to start your next scalable European FinTech!”
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis expressed Latvia’s ambition in the magazine, stating: “Latvia wants to become a WEB 3.0. innovation hub and solidify itself as one of the leaders of a newly regulated EU crypto-asset market. We welcome international companies to choose Latvia, a flexible and fast-paced country, where you can obtain a MICA license in just 3 months. Open your office in Latvia, receive a MICA license and serve the whole EU market!”
The Fintech Latvia Association brings together fintech and non-banking financial service providers to represent their interests at both the national and international levels. It promotes sustainable development in Latvia’s financial sector by fostering reliable, responsible, and long-term industry practices that earn trust from consumers and regulatory authorities. The association is committed to supporting innovation and growth opportunities within the fintech landscape.
The post Fintech Latvia Association Releases Fintech Pulse 2024: A Guide to Latvia’s Growing Fintech Hub appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Quantum Security and the Financial Sector: Paving the Way for a Resilient Future
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a pivotal white paper in collaboration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), titled “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”. This January 2024 publication underscores the urgent need for global cooperation as the financial sector transitions from a digital economy to a quantum economy, highlighting both the immense opportunities and cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computing.
Quantum: A Double-Edged Sword for Finance
Quantum computing offers transformative benefits for the financial sector, such as accelerated portfolio optimization, enhanced fraud detection, and improved risk management. Yet, it simultaneously threatens the very foundation of cybersecurity. With quantum’s ability to break traditional encryption methods, sensitive data and financial transactions face significant risks. The white paper warns that such vulnerabilities could erode trust in the financial system and destabilize global markets.
The urgency to prepare is evident, with some quantum threats, such as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks, already emerging. Governments and regulators, including the United States with its National Security Memorandum on Quantum (2022), have begun advocating for quantum security readiness by 2035. However, as noted in the paper, transitioning to a quantum-secure infrastructure is a monumental task requiring unprecedented coordination between regulators, industry leaders, and technology providers.
A Collaborative Framework: Four Guiding Principles
To address the complex challenges posed by quantum technologies, the WEF and FCA have proposed four guiding principles to inform global regulatory and industry approaches:
- Reuse and Repurpose: Leverage existing regulatory frameworks and tools to address quantum risks, rather than creating entirely new systems.
- Establish Non-Negotiables: Define baseline requirements for quantum security, ensuring consistency and interoperability across organizations and jurisdictions.
- Increase Transparency: Foster open communication between regulators and industry players to share best practices, strategies, and knowledge.
- Avoid Fragmentation: Prioritize global collaboration to harmonize regulatory efforts and avoid inconsistencies that could burden multinational organizations.
These principles aim to create a unified, forward-looking strategy that balances innovation with security.
A Four-Phase Roadmap for Quantum Security
The white paper introduces a phased roadmap to help the financial sector transition toward quantum security:
- Prepare: Raise awareness of quantum risks, assess cryptographic infrastructure, and build internal capabilities.
- Clarify: Formalize engagement between stakeholders, map current regulations, and model the cost and complexities of transitioning to quantum-safe systems.
- Guide: Address regulatory gaps, translate technical standards into actionable frameworks, and develop industry-wide best practices.
- Transition and Monitor: Implement cryptographic management modernization and adopt iterative, adaptable regulatory approaches to remain resilient in the quantum economy.
This roadmap emphasizes adaptability, encouraging stakeholders to continuously refine their strategies as quantum technologies evolve.
The Path Forward: Collaboration as a Catalyst
The transition to a quantum-secure financial sector is not merely a technological shift but a comprehensive rethinking of how industries and regulators approach cybersecurity. The interconnected nature of global finance means that collaboration between mature and emerging markets is crucial to avoid vulnerabilities that could undermine the entire system.
Regulators and financial institutions must act with urgency. As Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships at the World Economic Forum, notes in the report:
“The quantum economy era is fast approaching, and we need a global public-private approach to address the complexities it will introduce. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with the FCA to chart the roadmap for a seamless and secure transition for the financial services sector.”
Similarly, Suman Ziaullah, Head of Technology, Resilience, and Cyber at the FCA, emphasizes:
“Quantum computing presents considerable opportunities but also threats. The financial sector relies heavily on encryption to protect sensitive information, the exposure of which could cause significant harm to consumers and markets. Addressing this requires a truly collaborative effort to transition to a quantum-secure future.”
Global Impact: Ensuring Resilience in an Evolving Landscape
As quantum technologies mature, they will redefine the landscape of cybersecurity. The financial sector, as one of the most sensitive and interconnected industries, must prioritize preparedness to ensure stability, protect consumers, and maintain trust.
The Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches white paper offers an essential foundation for continued dialogue and action. By adhering to the guiding principles and roadmap outlined in the report, stakeholders can navigate this transformation with foresight and cooperation.
The full report, published by the World Economic Forum, highlights the need for a unified global approach to quantum security, serving as a rallying call for industry and regulatory leaders alike.
Source: World Economic Forum, “Quantum Security for the Financial Sector: Informing Global Regulatory Approaches”, January 2024.
The post Quantum Security and the Financial Sector: Paving the Way for a Resilient Future appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations
The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
-
Fintech5 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves
-
Fintech4 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
ROLLER Releases 2025 Attractions Industry Benchmark Report, Unveiling Key Trends and Revenue Strategies
-
Fintech PR4 days ago
TAILG Represents the Industry at COP29, Advancing South-South Cooperation with Low-Carbon Solutions
-
Fintech6 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech
-
Fintech7 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Navigating Expansion, Innovation, and Sustainability
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
Alkira Ranked 25th Fastest-Growing Company in North America and 6th in the Bay Area on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
The CfC St. Moritz Announces New Speakers from BlackRock, Binance, Bpifrance, Temasek, PayPal, and More for Upcoming 2025 Conference