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NewDay (company)
NewDay (company)
from Wikipedia

NewDay Ltd,[1] formerly SAV Credit,[2] is a financial services company specialising in providing credit products to consumers in the United Kingdom.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The company was established in 2000.

On 13 May 2013 the company completed the purchase of Santander UK's store card business, including branded cards issued for retailers including Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, House of Fraser and Debenhams.[3] Santander continued to operate the cards business until 1 April 2014, when SAV took full control and was renamed NewDay.[4][5]

In March 2015, it was rumoured that NewDay was for sale, valuing the company at around $1.49 billion.[6]

In May 2018, NewDay partnered with credit reporting agency TotallyMoney to relaunch the Fluid balance transfer credit card targeting the near-prime market.[7]

In March 2019, John Hourican was named CEO of NewDay, succeeding James Corcoran to the position.[8]

It was announced in May 2022 that John Lewis Partnership's white-label agreement with HSBC UK would end later that year, with new and existing Partnership Card accounts migrated to a reshaped service run by NewDay.[9][10]

Structure

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NewDay is organised into two limited companies: NewDay Technology Ltd and NewDay Cards Ltd. Both are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority,[11] and subscribe to the Lending Code.[12]

Investors

[edit]

Private equity firms Cinven and CVC Capital Partners are investors, both having representatives on its board of directors.[13]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
NewDay Ltd is a British company specializing in providing responsible consumer credit products, such as credit cards, (BNPL) options, instalment finance, 0% finance, and through digital platforms. Headquartered in , it serves approximately 5.9 million customers as of June 2025, focusing on those in the near-prime and co-brand sectors who may not be fully served by traditional banks, with an emphasis on exceptional and improvement. Originally incorporated on 3 2001 as SAV Credit Limited, the company rebranded to NewDay in 2014 to reflect its commitment to innovative and customer-centric solutions. With over 20 years of experience, NewDay has grown into the 's leading asset-backed securities (ABS) issuer since 2016 and holds a 6.0% share of the receivables market as of December 2024. It partners with major retailers and brands to offer tailored financing, and in 2024 reported £15.5 billion in customer spend and £4.4 billion in gross receivables, having helped 1.7 million customers improve their scores through responsible lending practices; as of June 2025, gross receivables stood at £5.2 billion following the acquisition of the Argos store card portfolio. The company is privately held by private equity firms including , , and KKR, having been acquired by and CVC in 2017 for £1 billion following its purchase by Värde Partners in 2011; in September 2025, its consumer receivables portfolio was sold to KKR. NewDay operates under a non-deposit-taking model, as classified by its SIC code 64921, and continues to expand its proprietary decisioning tools and scalable digital infrastructure to enhance accessibility to .

History

Founding and early development

SAV Credit was founded in September 2000 as a firm specializing in consumer products within the . The company targeted underserved segments of the market, offering credit solutions to individuals who faced challenges accessing traditional banking services. The firm was formally incorporated on 3 January 2001 under the name SAV Credit Limited, with its registered headquarters in , . Initial operations focused on issuing credit cards and related financial products to both consumers and retailers, emphasizing flexible lending options for non-prime borrowers. This approach allowed the company to build a portfolio of credit accounts by addressing gaps in the mainstream credit market. Early development saw steady expansion through the introduction of key products like the in 2001, aimed at consumers overlooked by high-street banks, and strategic moves to enhance lending capabilities. Growth was further supported by partnerships with retailers, facilitating the provision of store cards and in-store financing to boost consumer access to at point of purchase. By 2010, these efforts had positioned SAV Credit as a notable player in the specialist credit sector. In 2010, the company underwent a significant operational shift with the incorporation of Progressive Credit Limited on 28 , serving as a to drive expansions in origination and portfolio management. This restructuring enhanced the firm's capacity to originate new and manage growing receivables, setting the stage for broader developments while maintaining its core focus on consumer lending.

Key acquisitions and rebranding

In 2013, SAV Credit Limited, the predecessor to NewDay, acquired Santander UK's store card portfolio, marking a significant expansion into the retail co-branded credit market. The deal, completed on 13 May 2013, included branded cards for major retailers such as (part of the ), Debenhams, and , along with point-of-sale finance operations. This acquisition added approximately 7 million customer accounts to SAV Credit's existing base, built on its foundational operations in consumer credit since 2000. The strategic rationale behind the acquisition was to pivot toward specialized consumer credit solutions, leveraging SAV Credit's expertise in near-prime lending to capture a larger share of the store card sector. The portfolio, valued at around £1 billion in loans at the time, enabled SAV Credit to diversify beyond its own-brand cards into partnerships with high-street retailers. Santander continued to handle day-to-day operations during a transitional period, ensuring continuity until full control transferred to SAV Credit on 1 April 2014. Following the acquisition, SAV Credit underwent a to NewDay Ltd in 2014, signaling its formal entry into the competitive branded landscape. This rebranding coincided with the completion of the integration, which involved migrating servicing platforms and accounts while addressing operational complexities from the transition. By this point, NewDay's base had grown to over 5 million active accounts, reflecting the successful absorption of the Santander portfolio and early post-acquisition momentum.

Expansion and partnerships (2010s–2020s)

Following the 2013 acquisition of the store card portfolio by SAV Credit—owned by Värde Partners since 2011—which included a portfolio of retail co-branded cards and point-of-sale finance for major retailers, the company positioned itself for accelerated expansion in consumer services. In March 2015, owners prepared the business for a potential sale or , with an estimated valuation of £1 billion ($1.49 billion), though the transaction did not proceed as planned and NewDay was ultimately sold to and in 2016. In May 2018, NewDay partnered with credit reporting agency TotallyMoney to relaunch the Fluid credit card, aimed at near-prime consumers seeking management solutions through competitive offers, including 0% for nine months. This initiative expanded NewDay's reach into targeted lending products, helping customers consolidate and reduce high- while leveraging TotallyMoney's data-driven eligibility assessments. Throughout the late 2010s, NewDay invested in digital credit solutions to enhance its offerings, including in-house digital acquisition and servicing platforms that improved customer and account management for retail partners. This shift supported broader customer base growth, enabling the company to serve major retailers with , buy-now-pay-later options, and bespoke financing tailored to retail environments. By May 2022, NewDay formed a with the to manage its Partnership Card accounts, relaunching the rewards-based credit product with enhanced digital capabilities and premium retail-focused services. The collaboration allowed John Lewis to modernize its consumer credit operations while integrating NewDay's technology for faster assessments and loyalty rewards, further solidifying NewDay's role in high-end retail financing.

Recent developments (2024–2025)

In February 2025, NewDay acquired the Argos Financial Services store card portfolio from J Sainsbury plc for £720 million, gaining economic ownership of £834 million in gross receivables and adding 2.2 million customers to its base. This transaction, completed after obtaining necessary financing and regulatory approvals, expanded NewDay's market presence in retail credit while building on prior partnerships such as those with . Throughout 2025, NewDay introduced an AI-powered agent to streamline support operations, achieving over 90% accuracy in handling inquiries and reducing average call times by 30 seconds, thereby enhancing efficiency for its growing customer base. By December 2024, NewDay reported significant customer metrics achievements, including 537,000 responsible approvals for new accounts that promoted and 1.7 million customers who improved their credit scores through integrated tools and support. NewDay emphasized in its 2024–2025 strategy, with 1.1 million customers accessing free education tools like Aqua Coach to build knowledge and eligibility for better products.

Operations

Products and services

NewDay's core products include retailer-specific store cards and general-purpose cards designed to facilitate consumer spending and financial flexibility. Retailer-specific offerings, such as the Card, provide tailored options linked to partner retail environments, enabling purchases with deferred payment terms. General cards, including the card, specialize in balance transfers, allowing customers to consolidate existing debts at promotional rates to manage repayments more effectively. Additionally, the Aqua card serves as a -building tool for individuals seeking to establish or improve their . The company's services encompass credit origination, where applications are assessed and approved through proprietary decisioning processes, alongside ongoing account management via digital platforms for monitoring balances, payments, and transactions. Integrated debt advisory tools, such as credit score improvement features embedded in products like the Aqua card, assist users in navigating financial obligations and building healthier credit profiles. These services operate under the oversight of the (FCA) to ensure responsible lending practices. NewDay emphasizes accessible for underserved consumers, targeting those often declined by traditional high-street banks, with products featuring interest-free periods on balance transfers or purchases and rewards programs to incentivize responsible usage. For instance, the card offers 9 months at 0% on balance transfers (as of November 2025), helping users avoid immediate interest charges while repaying debts. This approach aligns with the company's mission to provide inclusive financial solutions that promote long-term financial health. Following its rebranding from SAV Credit in 2014, NewDay evolved its product lineup from traditional store cards to digital-first offerings, incorporating cardless options like the Bip digital credit product launched in 2021 to enhance accessibility and user convenience through mobile integration. This shift has broadened the portfolio to include revolving digital credit and buy-now-pay-later features, adapting to modern consumer preferences for seamless, technology-enabled financial tools.

Customer focus and technology

NewDay has prioritized customer-centric to enhance and promote financial , integrating advanced tools that support personalized interactions and informed . In 2024, the company developed and implemented AI-driven support solutions, including the NewAssist agent built on Amazon , which provides rapid, context-aware assistance during live customer interactions with over 90% accuracy in query resolution. This generative AI system handles a significant portion of the 2.5 million annual customer calls, reducing average call times by 30 seconds and enabling more tailored service experiences. A key aspect of NewDay's customer focus is its financial education platforms, which empower users to build credit health proactively. By December 2024, 1.1 million customers had registered for these tools, including Aqua Coach and , with features designed to guide credit score improvement through personalized monthly steps and regular monitoring. Approximately 31% of registered users actively checked their monthly, reflecting strong adoption of these resources aimed at fostering long-term . The company's digital infrastructure processes 332 million transactions annually, emphasizing responsible lending practices that prioritize affordability and customer outcomes over volume. This scale supports inclusive access to for near-prime customers, including those with limited histories, through seamless digital platforms that facilitate app-based account monitoring and real-time alerts for spending and payments. For instance, core products like the card integrate mobile apps for on-the-go balance tracking and notifications, enhancing user control and transparency.

Regulatory compliance

NewDay Ltd and its subsidiaries operate under the oversight of the (FCA), the primary regulator for financial services in the , ensuring all credit-related activities comply with standards since the company's incorporation in 2010. NewDay Ltd holds FCA authorization number 690292, permitting it to engage in a range of consumer credit activities, including lending and payment services under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (reference number 555318). To promote fair treatment of customers, NewDay adheres to the Lending Code, a voluntary industry standard overseen by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), which emphasizes responsible lending practices such as thorough affordability assessments before extending credit. This commitment includes conducting detailed evaluations of borrowers' financial circumstances to prevent over-indebtedness, aligning with broader FCA principles on treating customers fairly. NewDay's subsidiaries maintain specific regulatory authorizations tailored to their roles. NewDay Cards Ltd, responsible for issuing credit products, is authorized by the FCA under reference number 682417 to provide consumer and related services. NewDay Technology Ltd, which supports operational and technological services, operates as an Appointed Representative of NewDay Cards Ltd, enabling it to facilitate credit broking activities under the principal firm's FCA oversight without independent full authorization. In response to evolving regulatory landscapes, NewDay has integrated requirements from key updates, including the FCA's Consumer Duty framework introduced in 2023, which mandates demonstrable positive outcomes for customers; the company submitted its inaugural annual report on this in , affirming compliance through enhanced monitoring and training. While specific adaptations to post-Brexit consumer credit adjustments, such as updated disclosure forms effective from June 2021, are embedded in ongoing FCA alignment, NewDay's governance emphasizes proactive engagement with regulators to address changes in areas like digital tools. For 2025 developments on AI in , NewDay's use of AI for and assessments remains subject to FCA scrutiny under existing conduct rules, with internal controls ensuring ethical application. In September 2025, NewDay sold its consumer credit receivables portfolio to KKR-managed funds, but the operating group continues to originate and service credit without interruption to customers or products.

Corporate affairs

Leadership and governance

John Hourican has served as Group CEO of NewDay since September 2019, leading the company's strategic growth initiatives and key partnerships in the sector. With over 20 years of experience in , including prior roles as CEO of and head of RBS's Investment Bank, Hourican has focused on expanding NewDay's credit offerings and enhancing operational efficiency. The executive team includes key leaders such as Rob Holt, CEO of Credit, who joined NewDay in 2012 after holding senior positions at , bringing expertise in and . Paul Sheriff serves as Group CFO and COO, with more than 25 years in across banking, , and , having previously worked at Ventures. NewDay's board of directors comprises a balanced mix of three independent non-executive directors, two executive directors, and investor representatives from major shareholders like KKR, , and , ensuring oversight on strategy, risk, and compliance. Independent members, including Chairman Sir and Senior Independent Director Alison Reed, chair committees focused on audit, risk management, remuneration, and nomination, with an emphasis on ESG integration and balanced risk-reward decisions. Governance practices at NewDay prioritize ethical operations and responsibility, with and ESG matters reviewed quarterly by the board and embedded in decision-making processes. The company promotes diversity through adherence to standards, reflected in its board's mixed gender composition and international expertise, while emphasizing ethical lending via responsible credit practices aligned with positive customer outcomes. Annual reporting, including disclosures on progress toward , complies with regulatory requirements and best practices.

Corporate structure and subsidiaries

NewDay Ltd serves as the primary operational parent company within the NewDay group, registered as a in under company number 07297722, with its registered office at 7 Handyside Street, , N1C 4DA. Incorporated on 28 June 2010, it oversees the group's core activities in consumer credit provision and related services in the . NewDay Group (Jersey) Limited serves as an intermediate parent entity within the group, with Nemean Topco Limited as the ultimate parent; NewDay Ltd functions as the key holding structure, managing subsidiaries and ensuring integrated operations under regulatory oversight from the . The company's main subsidiaries include NewDay Cards Ltd, which handles credit card issuance and is authorised and regulated by the for consumer activities, and NewDay Ltd, responsible for developing and maintaining digital platforms, , and technological infrastructure supporting the group's services. In October 2024, Pay4Later Limited and related subsidiaries entered , with assets transferred to NewDay Ltd. Both subsidiaries operate from and are wholly owned by NewDay Ltd, contributing to a streamlined structure that separates regulatory functions from -driven operations. This setup allows for efficient collaboration, with NewDay Cards Ltd focusing on origination and servicing of products, while NewDay Ltd enables scalable digital solutions for customer interactions and data management. As of 31 December 2024, NewDay Ltd and its subsidiaries employed 1,292 colleagues, with operations primarily centered in to support unified decision-making and service delivery. Internally, the structure is divided into integrated units for credit origination, technology development, and , overseen by the executive committee to ensure cohesive operations across the group's and merchant offerings. This divisional approach facilitates end-to-end management, from credit assessment and issuance to technological processing and , under the broader of the board, reflecting ongoing efficiency measures including a 2024 restructuring that reduced roles by over 100 to optimize costs.

Financial performance

NewDay's revenue primarily stems from income generated by its and loan portfolios, supplemented by and commissions from partnerships with retailers and financial service providers. In the first half of (H1 2025), net increased 21% to £523 million from £433 million in H1 , driven by income of £619 million (up 16%) and and commission of £40 million (up 25%). Underlying profit before tax (PBT) has demonstrated robust growth, reflecting efficient portfolio management and favorable economic conditions. For H1 2025, underlying PBT rose 30% to £107 million compared to £83 million in H1 2024. In Q1 2025 specifically, underlying PBT climbed 31% to £45 million from £34 million in Q1 2024, supported by an improved underlying cost-income ratio of 27.7%. Long-term profitability has trended upward, with underlying PBT reaching £203 million in full-year 2022, £207 million in 2023, and £213 million in 2024, culminating in record highs by mid-2025 amid sustained portfolio expansion. This growth has been underpinned by gross receivables surpassing £5 billion in H1 2025 (up 21% from £4.3 billion in H1 2024 and 2023 year-end), while delinquency rates remained low and stable, with 90+ days arrears in the segment below pre-COVID levels.

Major transactions and funding

In September 2011, Värde Partners acquired NewDay (then known as SAV Credit) for £472 million, equivalent to approximately $740 million at the time, marking a significant valuation milestone for the company. The 2013 acquisition of Santander UK's store card portfolio, which included around £1 billion in customer balances and co-branded cards for retailers such as and , represented a key expansion; the transaction added 3.5 million accounts and was completed in May 2013. By March 2015, NewDay was rumored to be preparing for a sale or , with sources indicating a potential valuation of around £1 billion ($1.49 billion). In October 2016, and acquired NewDay from Värde Partners in a deal valued at approximately £1 billion, financed through a mix of shareholder loans, equity contributions, and raised via Nemean BondCo PLC. In late 2024, NewDay agreed to acquire the Argos Financial Services store card portfolio from J Sainsbury plc for £720 million, encompassing about two million customers and £800 million in receivables; the deal closed in stages, with beneficial title transferred in February 2025 and full legal title by early 2026, financed through NewDay's existing asset-backed securitization facilities, a £60 million transferable vendor loan note from Sainsbury's, and retained cash.

Ownership

Major investors

NewDay's primary investors since the completion of its acquisition in 2017 have been the firms and , which jointly acquired a majority stake in the company from Värde Partners in a transaction announced in 2016 and completed in 2017, valued at approximately £1 billion. This acquisition marked a significant shift in ownership, enabling NewDay to pursue aggressive growth in the UK sector. Both firms maintain representatives on NewDay's , including investor directors from such as Matthew Sabben-Clare and from CVC such as Davide Petrini, providing strategic oversight and alignment with long-term objectives. Cinven and CVC's investment has emphasized support for NewDay's initiatives and expansion of retail partnerships, such as co-branded cards with major retailers. For instance, has highlighted its collaboration with NewDay's management to enhance digital capabilities and , leveraging the company's extensive for improved and advocacy. Similarly, CVC has backed innovations like AI-powered solutions to streamline operations and foster stronger customer relationships. This focus aligns with the investors' strategy to scale NewDay's in the 's landscape, Europe's largest market, by capitalizing on embedded opportunities and portfolio growth. Prior to Cinven and CVC, NewDay—originally established as SAV Credit Ltd in 2000—received equity backing from Palamon Capital Partners starting in 2006, which led funding rounds to support its growth as a non-prime provider. In 2006, Electra Partners joined as a co-investor, supporting key expansions including the £385 million acquisition of HSBC's Marbles and Beneficial portfolios. Värde Partners then acquired the company in 2011 from Palamon and Electra for £472 million, providing further capital for portfolio diversification. Throughout this period, debt providers such as facilitated expansions through conventional debt rounds, enabling asset-backed securitizations and lending growth without diluting equity stakes significantly.

Portfolio sales and strategic shifts

In 2024, NewDay conducted a strategic review of its Pay4Later Limited (P4L) subsidiary, formerly trading as , which focused on buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. As part of this review, certain P4L activities were transferred to NewDay Technology Ltd, and P4L was placed into in October 2024, with all outstanding amounts settled prior to the process. This move represented an early strategic shift, allowing NewDay to streamline operations and refocus on its core and embedded offerings while divesting from standalone BNPL models amid regulatory and market pressures in the sector. To bolster its merchant acquiring portfolio, NewDay acquired the Argos Financial Services (AFS) cards portfolio from J Sainsbury plc in February 2025 for £754 million, adding approximately £834 million in gross receivables and 2.2 million customers. The deal, initially announced in October 2024 at £720 million, aligned with broader exit from to prioritize retail operations, while enabling NewDay to expand its partnerships with major retailers and enhance its digital credit solutions. This acquisition contributed to a 21% increase in NewDay's gross receivables to £5.2 billion by mid-2025 and supported a 30% rise in underlying profit before tax to £107 million in the first half of the year, despite an initial £50 million expected credit loss charge. By mid-2025, NewDay's owners, Cinven and CVC Capital Partners, explored options for a full or partial sale or initial public offering (IPO) at a potential valuation of £1.7 billion, advised by Barclays, amid strong demand for digital consumer credit platforms. This process culminated in September 2025 with an agreement to sell NewDay's £5.2 billion consumer credit receivables portfolio—primarily revolving credit card balances—to private credit funds managed by KKR for an undisclosed amount. Rather than a complete divestiture, the transaction separated the balance sheet assets from the origination and servicing business, with Cinven and CVC retaining ownership of the NewDay Operating Group alongside a new strategic investment from KKR. A multi-year forward flow agreement was established, under which KKR would fund future loan originations, enabling NewDay to scale its customer base of nearly 6 million while mitigating capital-intensive balance sheet risks and leveraging KKR's expertise in asset-based finance. The portfolios continued to be serviced through existing securitization structures, preserving operational continuity and supporting NewDay's focus on innovative, responsible credit products in partnership with retailers like John Lewis & Partners and AO.

References

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