Channel VAS Investments Limited (Optasia) has strengthened its growth strategy with a USD 330 million multi‑jurisdictional funding package that supports the expansion of its digital financial services platform across emerging markets. The solution was led by RMB as underwriter, mandated lead arranger and largest lender, and combines term funding and guarantee facilities designed to enable Optasia’s next phase of scaling across 38 countries.
Optasia is a leading emerging markets fintech that provides airtime credit services and micro‑lending enablement using advanced algorithmic credit scoring. Its technology supports mobile network operators and financial institutions by enabling safe, small‑value lending for millions of customers who are often unbanked or underbanked across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Following its listing, the company required a bespoke and flexible funding package that could provide certainty while supporting rapid expansion across multiple markets. The solution needed to offer long‑term funding and scalable guarantee capacity for its credit enablement model, while remaining suitable for syndication within tight timeframes.
RMB acted as underwriter of the USD 180 million term funding. RMB also provided USD 105 million of the USD 150 million guarantee programme, making it the largest lender across both components, as well as acted as facility and security agent.
“Optasia required a comprehensive solution that delivered certainty, supported growth and could be executed efficiently across multiple jurisdictions. Working closely with the client, we developed an integrated structure that meets Optasia’s operational needs and positions the business for its next phase of expansion. As an African bank, we are very proud to be playing our part in supporting financial inclusion of unbanked communities across the African continent in particular,” said Farisani Ramabulana, Senior Transactor at RMB Leveraged Finance.
The model plays an important role in broadening economic participation by enabling airtime credit and micro‑loans in markets where access to traditional financial services is limited. Through its partnerships with mobile operators and financial institutions, the company uses real‑time behavioural insights to extend responsible credit to consumers at scale.
“This transaction supports meaningful financial inclusion by enabling Optasia to deepen its reach in markets where digital access to small‑value credit can make a significant economic difference. This growth is aligned with our commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development across emerging markets,” said Corrie Cronje, Senior Transactor at RMB Leveraged Finance.
RMB has supported Optasia for more than five years, including a previous USD 120 million funding package that helped deepen the strategic relationship. This latest transaction reinforces that partnership and demonstrates RMB’s ability to deliver large, multi-disciplinary and multi‑country growth funding for high‑impact fintech businesses.
“We are focused on expanding access to digital financial services for customers across our markets, and this funding package supports that ambition. The structure provides the certainty we need to continue scaling responsibly and strengthening our platform,” said Mariusz Dabrowski (Optasia Group CFO)
The USD 330 million funding package comprises USD 180 million in term funding and USD 150 million in guarantee facilities.