Robinhood Markets Inc. is sounding out investors on what would be its first bond issue backed by receivables from its own branded consumer credit cards, according to a report this week.
The proposed asset-backed securities transaction would start at a base size of $400 million and be arranged into four separate tranches. Agents marketing the deal have pegged initial price talk for the highest-rated tranche at roughly 0.8 percentage point above the benchmark.
The firm is pursuing the capital raise as it broadens its footprint in the credit card business beyond the retail brokerage services for which it is best known. In March, Robinhood unveiled a $695 plated platinum credit card positioned as a competitor to American Express Co.; that launch followed its earlier introduction of a no-fee Gold Card two years prior.
Deal advisors indicate the offering could grow to $500 million. Wells Fargo & Co. and Barclays Plc are managing the potential sale. A note from Fitch Ratings cited Coastal Community Bank as the owner of the branded credit card accounts that would back the securities.
Market context and pricing
Initial conversations with prospective investors include preliminary pricing for the top-rated portion of the pool, with the spread discussed at about 0.8 percentage point over the benchmark. The arrangement is being presented in four parts, with a minimum aggregate size indicated at $400 million and the possibility of an increased total of $500 million.
Participants and account ownership
Wells Fargo and Barclays are listed as the managers for the potential sale, while Coastal Community Bank is noted as the owner of the card accounts that form the asset base for the securities.
Summary
- Robinhood is exploring an asset-backed securities issue secured by receivables from its branded consumer credit cards.
- The sale is being marketed at a minimum of $400 million across four tranches, with the top-rated tranche initially discussed at about 0.8 percentage point over the benchmark, and the overall deal could reach $500 million.
- Wells Fargo and Barclays are managing the transaction; Coastal Community Bank holds the card accounts that would back the bond.
Key points
- The proposed offering would be Robinhood's first asset-backed securities sale tied to receivables from its branded credit cards.
- Initial price talk for the highest-rated slice stands at roughly 0.8 percentage point over benchmark levels.
- The transaction is structured into four tranches with a base targeted size of $400 million and scope to expand to $500 million; banks managing the sale are Wells Fargo and Barclays.
Risks and uncertainties
- Investor demand is being measured rather than assured - the outreach indicates uncertainty about final reception in the market.
- The ultimate size of the sale is not fixed: the company is seeking at least $400 million, but the transaction could grow to $500 million, leaving the final scale open.
- Pricing indications are preliminary - the top-rated tranche was initially talked at about 0.8 percentage point over benchmark, which may change as investor feedback is received.
Sectors affected
- Consumer finance and credit card markets, as the securities would be secured by branded card receivables.
- Banking and capital markets, given the roles of Wells Fargo and Barclays as managers and the sale of asset-backed securities.