A groundbreaking collaboration has been unveiled between the global investment giant Carlyle and financial services powerhouse Citi. This partnership focuses on exploring opportunities in asset-backed financing within the rapidly expanding fintech specialty lending sector. By combining their extensive market intelligence and investment expertise, Carlyle and Citi aim to unlock new growth avenues in private credit. The alliance leverages Citi’s renowned SPRINT team, a leader in venture equity investments in fintech lenders, along with Carlyle's robust asset-backed finance capabilities.

Carlyle and Citi Join Forces to Revolutionize Fintech Lending

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, two of the world’s leading financial institutions have come together to redefine asset-backed financing. In a strategic move announced recently, Carlyle and Citi formalized a framework designed to facilitate the exchange of market insights and explore co-investment prospects. This collaboration brings together the strengths of both entities, enhancing their capacity to provide tailored financing solutions to fintech companies.

The initiative is driven by growing demand from fintech lenders who require scalable and specialized financial support as they expand their operations. Akhil Bansal, Head of Asset-Backed Finance at Carlyle, emphasized the significance of this partnership in fostering innovation and supporting the evolution of fintech leaders. Lee Smallwood, Head of Markets Innovation & Investments at Citi, highlighted the seamless integration of expertise that enables them to meet the diverse needs of emerging fintech enterprises across the entire capital structure.

Rajiv Amlani, Head of Private Markets Coverage at Citi, noted that this collaboration exemplifies the best of both organizations, utilizing the extensive reach of their franchises to uncover unique opportunities in the fintech space. Carlyle ABF, part of Carlyle’s Global Credit platform, has already committed approximately $8 billion since 2021 and manages around $9 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, showcasing its commitment to delivering customized financing solutions.

From a journalistic perspective, this collaboration serves as a testament to how established financial giants can adapt to changing market dynamics by embracing innovative technologies. It underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving progress and highlights the potential for fintech companies to thrive with access to tailored financial resources. This development not only signals a shift towards more sophisticated financing models but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in the financial technology landscape.