Oplo Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Tandem Bank's acquisition of Oplo marks a significant step in the financial industry, combining their strengths to create a fairer, greener digital bank. This strategic move enhances Tandem's market position, expanding its product offerings and customer base, while reinforcing its commitment to environmental and social governance initiatives.

What Is Oplo?

Founded in 2009, Oplo specializes in providing accessible financial solutions, including personal loans, home improvement loans, and car finance. The company differentiates itself through a strong commitment to responsible lending and customer-centric services. Oplo's unique selling points include flexible loan options tailored to individual needs and a focus on transparency, ensuring customers fully understand their financial commitments. This approach has positioned Oplo as a trusted partner in the financial services market.

Who Acquired Oplo?

Tandem Bank is a digital financial institution dedicated to promoting greener banking solutions. It offers a range of products, including savings accounts like Instant Access Saver and Fixed Saver, as well as borrowing options such as motor finance, home improvement loans, and mortgages. Tandem Bank leverages its market position as a leading app-based savings provider to drive sustainability, using customer deposits to fund green initiatives and helping over 110,000 people make environmentally friendly choices.

When Was Oplo Acquired?

Tandem Bank announced the acquisition of Oplo on January 12, 2022, with the deal expected to complete by the end of the month. This move comes amid a growing trend towards sustainable and inclusive financial services. The timing aligns with Tandem's strategic initiatives, including previous acquisitions and a focus on green lending, positioning the bank to better serve the underserved "new mainstream" customers in the UK.

Why Was Oplo Acquired?

• Market Expansion: The acquisition of Oplo broadens Tandem’s product offerings to include first and second charge mortgages, home improvement loans, car finance, and personal lending. This strategic move allows Tandem to serve an estimated 26 million "new mainstream" customers whose lending needs are underserved by traditional high street banks.
• Technology Integration: Although specific technology integrations are not detailed, the combined expertise of Tandem and Oplo is expected to enhance their digital banking capabilities. Leveraging Tandem’s existing digital savings platform, the new entity aims to deliver cost-effective funding and smart financial products, supporting their mission to offer fairer and greener financial choices.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition positions Tandem as a profitable digital bank with significant scale, including £1.2 billion in total assets and £230 million in green lending. The combined customer base of over 171,000 and a UK-based team of 500 people provide a strong competitive edge. Additionally, Tandem's focus on underserved "new mainstream" customers and its commitment to green banking further differentiate it from traditional banks.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price was not publicly disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method used for the acquisition was not specified.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • The acquisition has received regulatory approval.
  • The deal is expected to complete before the end of January 2022.
  • The combined entity will operate under the Tandem brand, focusing on providing fairer and greener financial choices.
  • Both companies' boards and major shareholders have approved the acquisition.
  • Post-acquisition, the combined business will offer a broader range of consumer lending products, including mortgages, home improvement loans, car finance, and personal lending.
  • Susie Aliker will lead the combined entity as CEO, with Alex Mollart serving as deputy CEO.

Impact on Oplo

The acquisition of Oplo by Tandem Bank has led to significant changes in operations and management. Tandem CEO Susie Aliker will lead the combined entity, with Oplo founder Alex Mollart serving as deputy CEO. This merger brings together a team of 500 people, leveraging their combined expertise to enhance digital banking capabilities. The integration aims to create a greener and fairer banking proposition, focusing on serving the "new mainstream" customers who are often underserved by traditional banks.

In terms of product offerings, the acquisition broadens Tandem’s portfolio to include first and second charge mortgages, home improvement loans, car finance, and personal lending. This expansion allows the combined entity to offer a wider range of financial products, enhancing customer satisfaction. While specific employee and customer reactions are not detailed, the strategic fit between the two companies suggests a positive outlook. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.