Brazilian financial technology firm Celcoin has finalized its acquisition of Via Capital, a Direct Credit Society (SCD), after receiving official approval from the Central Bank of Brazil. This regulatory green light, published in the Official Gazette, grants Celcoin 100% control over the credit fintech. The move marks a significant milestone in Celcoin's strategy to fortify its position as a leading financial infrastructure provider in the country's rapidly evolving credit market.
Central Bank Greenlights Strategic Acquisition
The Central Bank's authorization concludes a process that began in July 2024, when Celcoin initially acquired a minority stake before securing the remaining shares. Concurrently, the regulator approved a substantial capital increase for Via Capital SCD, raising its capital from $290.000 to $2.2 million. This financial reinforcement underscores the commitment to scaling the newly acquired credit operations under Celcoin's comprehensive ecosystem.
Consolidating the Credit Vertical
Marcelo França, CEO and co-founder of Celcoin, described the acquisition as a "strategic step in the consolidation of the credit vertical." He highlighted that the credit segment is one of the company's fastest-growing divisions, driven by innovative solutions like its 'Consignado as a Service' platform. This acquisition is pivotal to Celcoin's plan to enhance its infrastructure and unlock new funding and origination channels across Brazil.
A Pattern of Aggressive Expansion
This transaction is the latest in a series of strategic purchases, marking Celcoin's seventh acquisition since 2022 and its fourth specifically within the credit market. This expansion strategy has seen the company integrate firms like Flow Finance for credit infrastructure and Vulkan Labs for AI-powered risk decisioning. These acquisitions have systematically built a robust portfolio covering every stage of the credit lifecycle, from client onboarding to collections.
Building a Comprehensive Financial Infrastructure
By combining its existing Payment Institution (IP) license with Via Capital's Direct Credit Society (SCD) license, Celcoin solidifies its standing as a complete financial infratech. The company's extensive portfolio now includes direct participation in Pix, payment initiation, card issuance, and a proprietary core banking system. This integrated platform serves over 750 clients, offering end-to-end solutions for regulated institutions and companies entering the financial services space.
Future Outlook and Market Position
Celcoin's growth trajectory is supported by significant financial backing, having raised $158 million in investments to date. A major funding round in the first half of 2024, led by global growth equity investor Summit Partners, brought in $125 million. This capital infusion is fueling the company's mission to build out its infrastructure and support the next cycle of credit growth with advanced technology and systemic responsibility.
The acquisition of Via Capital SCD is more than a simple expansion; it represents the culmination of Celcoin's focused strategy to dominate Brazil's financial infrastructure landscape. By integrating advanced technology, diverse regulatory licenses, and a comprehensive suite of credit solutions, the company is poised to empower a new era of financial services. This move solidifies its ability to support complex credit, payment, and banking operations for a wide range of market players.