VCI Global Limited saw its shares climb 9.2% on Wednesday after unveiling a management buyout of its fintech subsidiary, Credilab, for approximately $43.74 million. The company said the transaction will be settled through a mix of cash and shares and places a valuation on Credilab equal to 1.1 times its net tangible assets.
Under the terms disclosed, VCI Global will retain a 30% ownership interest in Credilab. The firm said this minority stake allows it to benefit from any future upside while removing the need to continue providing capital support to the lending operation.
Company executives framed the deal as part of a broader strategic realignment. VCI Global stated the disposal is a deliberate move as it repositions itself to become an "AI-Native capital and innovation platform" focused on scalable, asset-light businesses.
Officials said the company intends to concentrate resources on targeted growth verticals, including AI infrastructure, robotics, real-world assets, clean energy, and advanced mobility. Management expects these areas to better fit the firm’s asset-light orientation and long-term strategic priorities.
"This transaction reflects disciplined capital management. By monetising Credilab at a premium to NTA while retaining a minority stake, we strengthen our balance sheet and redeploy capital toward scalable, AI-driven platforms," said Zhi Feng Ang, Chief Financial Officer of VCI Global.
VCI Global described Credilab as operating in a capital-intensive fintech lending environment that demands significant balance-sheet funding and regulatory capital. The company said that although Credilab will continue operations, its funding profile no longer aligns with VCI Global’s strategic direction.
Management indicated the sale is expected to improve return on invested capital and to sharpen cash-flow discipline. The company also said the transaction will allow management to concentrate more fully on high-growth, AI-enabled platforms that fit the redefined corporate strategy.
Context and immediate market response: The market reacted positively to the announcement, rewarding the shares with a single-day advance of 9.2% on Wednesday. The combination of partial monetisation and retained equity is presented by management as a way to both strengthen liquidity and preserve upside exposure.