Credit

Klarna AB, a Swedish payment provider for online shoppers, is still setting its sights on an initial public offering even after its latest funding round left it roughly twice as valuable as it was a year ago.

The performance of about $3 billion in hotel and other loans flagged by the Dallas company as high-risk has been a "a pleasant surprise," its chief credit officer said at an industry conference.

More consumer and commercial borrowers are paying their loans, increasing the likelihood that charge-offs will be manageable for banks despite the ongoing pandemic.

There is a war brewing in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) market, and Mastercard is working with TSYS to bring in a slew of new players — credit card firms.

Florida and West Virginia recently joined four other states in setting up regulatory sandboxes that allow startups to test products with consumers without obtaining a license.

Afterpay has entered into an agreement with NBQ Corporate SLU to acquire Pagantis SAU and PMT Technology SLU for €50 million (about $59 million) to expand into France, Italy and Spain — a direct challenge to Klarna, one of the dominant European buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers.

Brisbane, Australia-based EML has partnered with the New Zealand buy now, pay later fintech Laybuy to leverage digital cards for in-store and online retail purchases.

Part of the coronavirus’s economic story is the sudden boom in installment payment services — a sure sign of consumers and merchants wanting a haven from revolving debt. But the rush to simpler credit is also a reflection of how the crisis has changed the way people are living and managing their lives.

The Federal Reserve could ease capital rules, foster the creation of special-purpose banks and take other steps to strengthen minority communities and businesses without legislation being sought in Congress — if it has the will to do so, experts say.

The St. Louis company is gaining a sizable Small Business Administration platform and several niche deposit teams. Keeping those specialists in the fold will be key to the acquisition's success.