ClearScore acquires Aro Finance to boost embedded finance and secured lending

January 7, 2025

The ClearScore Group, a leading global FinTech and data-driven financial marketplace, has announced its acquisition of Aro Finance.

The move signals a strategic expansion into embedded finance and secured loan broking, diversifying ClearScore’s portfolio beyond direct-to-consumer channels. By integrating Aro’s capabilities, ClearScore aims to offer a broader range of lending solutions.

This acquisition marks ClearScore’s second major purchase, following the 2022 acquisition of Money Dashboard. The integration of Money Dashboard’s expertise in analysing financial behavioural patterns powered the development of D•One, an open banking service that enhances underwriting processes for lenders.

The addition of Aro will now expand ClearScore’s reach further into business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) channels, building on its established position as a trusted credit marketplace serving nearly 24 million users globally.

Aro Finance’s embedded credit marketplace allows users to access lending options directly through retail partners’ digital platforms. By adding ClearScore’s network of financial services partners to this ecosystem, the acquisition provides greater lending options for consumers.

A key element of this partnership is the enhancement of ClearScore’s debt consolidation technology, “Clearer”. Launched in 2024, Clearer directly settles consumer debts, ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose. The integration of Aro’s secured loan capabilities will expand Clearer’s offering to include both unsecured and secured loans, helping UK borrowers manage debt more effectively.

ClearScore CEO Justin Basini emphasised the significance of the acquisition, stating: “This acquisition allows us to continue our growth by expanding into two complementary areas as a credit broker, namely embedded finance and secured second charge lending.

“Diversifying our channels to market, and product range we can offer to our 24 million users, as well as our offering to our lenders, is an important step in our strategy. We see a significant growth opportunity in second charge mortgages, and this will be a critical part of our debt consolidation proposition and business growth going forward. The addition of Aro’s marketplace capabilities to the Group perfectly aligns with our existing data-driven approach and will allow us to reach new users through retail channels.”

Emma Steeley, CEO of Aro, shared her optimism about the partnership: “This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Aro’s journey. By joining ClearScore we become part of one of the most innovative global organisations in fintech. It is an exciting new chapter for the business, ensuring that together we continue to grow and deliver exceptional value for our partners, lenders and customers.

“With the clear business synergies and strategic data-led approach, I am confident that we will continue to engage with and serve many more customers with the strong breadth and depth of our combined product offerings. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at Aro, and I am looking forward to what the future holds under ClearScore’s stewardship.”