Hope Macy, a Payments Institution and Credit Reference Agency regulated by the FCA, has revealed its strategic acquisition of Slick Solutions. This collaboration aims to provide more inclusive and efficient financial services to underserved populations, ultimately promoting economic empowerment and stability. By leveraging the strengths of both technologies, this partnership sets a new standard for responsible and innovative lending practices in the industry.
Low-income and vulnerable consumers will have access to transparent and equitable financial services that satisfy their needs thanks to the combination of these two cutting-edge technologies. In addition to streamlining the lending process, this integration guarantees that customers are empowered and protected while making financial decisions.
Using advanced machine learning, Hope Macy’s APIs are able to predict the likelihood of a consumer defaulting on a loan, and even when the default may occur, without the need for traditional credit scores that can discriminate against consumers with poor or no credit history.
Hope Macy’s advanced technology, already used by major retail banks, is now part of Slick Solutions’ platform, utilized by over 20 institutions, including credit unions and responsible lenders. The integration enables faster, more accurate, and data-driven lending decisions while prioritizing consumer welfare. Lenders also benefit from improved compliance, cost reduction, and new revenue opportunities.
The entire loan process—from application to payment and collections—is now enhanced with Hope Macy’s regulated APIs. As a result, consumers are better protected from financial harm, gain improved and more affordable access to finance and banking, and can obtain credit at reduced cost and risk. Lenders are empowered to provide better consumer information, enabling smarter financial decisions and ensuring safe lending to vulnerable consumers. Lenders also benefit from APIs designed specifically for identifying the unique risks that are presented by low-income and vulnerable groups.
Slick Solutions transforms loan processing with expanded services, a focus on FCA consumer duty obligations, automated credit agreement reviews, and streamlined capital provision to financial institutions. And now, Slick provides lenders a one-stop shop for loan origination and all the essential API services needed to assess and manage a loan application. This acquisition provides lenders with a more inclusive and forward-thinking solution. Additionally, an advanced payment gateway solution offers greater control over payment transactions, delivering a streamlined and cost-effective alternative to traditional payment systems.
The rapid growth in the number of low-income and vulnerable consumers means there is a great and urgent need for the solutions provided by the combined firms.
Sam Manning, CEO of Hope Macy, said: “This acquisition is transformative. We wanted to protect consumers from financial harm, and the starting point is the credit process. By placing ourselves right at the start, we can assist lenders in making better decisions and advancing FCA consumer duty. Building on our experience in the vulnerable consumer sector, we offer lenders one of the largest credit platforms with consumer duty at its core, ensuring that consumers achieve good financial outcomes.”
Luke Scowen, CEO of Slick Solutions, added: “This is a game-changing moment for the credit industry. By merging our powerful technologies and regulatory permissions, we’re setting a new benchmark for efficiency, speed, and cost savings across the board. We put the duty to protect consumers at the start of the credit journey and offer our lenders high-quality loan management services. This way, both consumers and our business clients benefit.”
Obrenza was advised by Commercial firm Square One Law, an ethical B Corp with offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Darlington.
Ashraf Ali, Corporate Partner at Square One Law said: “We were delighted to advise Obrenza on this strategic acquisition and enjoyed working alongside their team to bring together two leading ethical consumer finance technology businesses. This merger marks a significant step forward, with Slick Solutions’ loan origination platform perfectly complementary to the Obrenza existing technology offering. The result will empower financial institutions to provide even greater support to low-income and vulnerable consumers. It has been a pleasure to work with the team and be able to contribute to a transaction that aligns so closely with our own values of integrity and client-first commitment.”
Ashraf was joined by colleagues Vanessa Middleton, Helen Brain, Emily Warman and Dominika Cudak in supporting the deal.
