Latest news with #MPOWERFinancing
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
African students studying in U.S. advised against traveling amid Trump's new immigration policy
The Trump administration's revised immigration policy is raising alarm among African students in the United States, following the introduction of stricter visa conditions that could prevent them from leaving the country until after graduation. The Trump administration's revised immigration policy imposes stricter visa conditions on African students in the U.S. Many students and families express concerns about re-entry difficulties during emergencies or holidays. Students are advised to remain in the U.S. until completing their studies to avoid visa complications. Under the new rules, international students on F-1 visas, particularly those from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, will now receive single-entry visas valid for only three months. African students who make up a growing share of international enrolments are among the hardest hit. In 2023, over 50,000 students from sub-Saharan Africa studied in the U.S., an 18% jump from the previous year This development has triggered concern among students and families about the implications for travel flexibility during emergencies, holidays, or internships abroad. This means students must enter the U.S. within that period, but once inside, they are permitted to remain for the full duration of their academic program. However, if they leave the U.S. before graduation, they risk being unable to return without undergoing a fresh and potentially delayed visa application process. The new visa framework, introduced by the U.S. State Department and effective from July 8, 2025, significantly tightens restrictions for most nonimmigrant and non-official visa categories. For Nigerian applicants, the policy shift is a sharp break from previous norms that allowed multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. . With the fall semester approaching, many international students now face added pressure to navigate the evolving U.S. immigration landscape, one that may increasingly require them to choose between staying the course or risking denial of re-entry. Experts clarify new U.S. visa rules, dispel misinformation Business Insider Africa reached out to Sasha Ramani, Head of Corporate Strategy at MPOWER Financing, a U.S.-based lender that supports international students, for clarification following rising concern over the new U.S. visa policy, which has caused anxiety among prospective African students and their families. While the policy change has sparked widespread worry on social media and in the press, Ramani says the practical impact on students' academic plans is minimal. ' Nothing significant should change with regard to their educational plans, ' Ramani said. ' The process of obtaining a student visa remains the same. Once students enter the U.S., they are allowed to stay for the full duration of their studies.' Ramani explained that the new visa regulation mirrors rules long applied to countries like Vietnam and stems from the principle of reciprocity —where the U.S. adjusts visa conditions to reflect how its own citizens are treated abroad. Still, he acknowledged the emotional toll of restricted mobility. ' We recommend that students affected by this policy not leave the U.S. until after graduation, ' he added. ' Admittedly, we understand this may limit their ability to see family or attend to other personal priorities during their studies.' In response, MPOWER is expanding its student support efforts, offering free visa preparation courses, mock interviews with former U.S. visa officers, and tailored webinars to help international students navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. ' Many students rely on agents or online forums that may not always provide accurate guidance,' Ramani noted. ' Our goal is to equip students with clear, expert-backed information so they can make informed decisions and stay focused on their academic goals.' He also stressed that fears of travel bans or blanket disqualifications are misplaced. ' We've spoken with students who incorrectly believe their country is now subject to a travel ban. That's simply not true,' he said. 'What's needed now is clarity—not panic.' Ultimately, affected students are advised to enter the U.S. within the three-month visa validity window and remain there until their studies are completed. While this may limit holiday travel, Ramani notes it could also reduce travel costs and help with long-term budgeting. 'The United States continues to welcome talented international students,' he emphasized. ' And with the right preparation, these recent policy adjustments shouldn't stand in the way of anyone's educational dreams. ' While the new visa policy introduces tighter travel restrictions, it should not discourage African students or aspiring travelers from pursuing their educational goals in the United States.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Karnataka's Own Thrupthi Hosahalli Manjunatha Wins Prestigious MPOWER Financing Scholarship
Bengaluru MPOWER Financing, a mission-driven fintech company providing no-cosigner education loans and scholarships to global students, proudly announces that Thrupthi Hosahalli Manjunatha, a native of Karnataka from Chikkaballapur, India, has been selected as a recipient of its prestigious scholarship program for 2025. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in Software Engineering (MS) at Arizona State University, USA, Thrupthi was selected based on her outstanding academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to community impact. She will receive a scholarship award of US$1,000 (approximately ₹83,000) to support her educational journey abroad. This scholarship is part of MPOWER Financing's larger initiative to distribute over ₹1 crore (US$120,000) in scholarships this year to empower ambitious international students, focusing on deserving candidates from India. Sharing her gratitude and future vision, Thrupthi stated, "Winning the MPOWER Scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is a validation of my dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a lasting impact. This scholarship represents an opportunity to pursue my academic and professional aspirations with greater confidence, knowing that I am supported by an organization that believes in the power of global education and diversity. It fuels my passion for research, technology, and mentorship, empowering me to give back by guiding and uplifting students from underrepresented backgrounds. With this support, I am even more determined to excel, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society, creating a future where education and technology drive positive change for all." Thrupthi is passionate about research, technology, and mentoring aspiring students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds. 'Financial barriers should never stand in the way of student potential,' said Duncan Moss, Head of Marketing at MPOWER Financing. 'We are honored to support brilliant minds like Thrupthi, who embody leadership, dedication, and a drive to give back to their communities.' MPOWER Financing's scholarships align with its mission to provide equal access to quality education and foster global leadership. Beyond financial aid, MPOWER also offers the Path2Success career and immigration guidance program to help students accelerate their careers during and after their studies. The organization's broader social impact is significant: according to MPOWER's latest impact report, students who graduate with MPOWER's support see an average 15x increase in their household income and often contribute financially to their families back home, strengthening communities globally.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
MPOWER Financing Securitizes $313.2 Million to Fuel Indian Students' Dreams Abroad
BENGALURU, MAY 16, 2025 — MPOWER Financing ('MPOWER'), a mission-driven fintech firm and the leader in international student financing, today announced the completion of its second securitization, MPOWER Education Trust 2025-A ('MPOWR 2025-A'). The $313.2 million collateral pool is composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate loans made to international students attending leading American and Canadian universities. The securitization size exceeds MPOWER's inaugural securitization of$215.2 million in 2024, and allows MPOWER to continue to scale loans issued primarily to graduate international students at more than 500 leading colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. This milestone is particularly significant for students from India who often face barriers in accessing affordable education financing abroad. The securitization will enable MPOWER to expand its reach and offer more students — especially talented Indian students — the opportunity to pursue higher education at top institutions without the need for a co-signer, collateral, or U.S. credit history. Thousands of Indian students leverage MPOWER's support every year to access premier universities in the U.S. and Canada. By broadening access to financing, MPOWER is helping to empower the next generation of global leaders and drive socio-economic mobility for students worldwide. Key deal elements: ● The nearly 50% increase in collateral pool size over MPOWER's inaugural ABS reflects the company's robust year-over-year growth and reinforces its commitment to being a repeat, programmatic issuer in the ABS market. ● All three bond classes were oversubscribed despite a larger deal size and ongoing bond market volatility, underscoring investor confidence in the credit quality of MPOWER's loan portfolio and demand for global graduate STEM talent in North America. ● A number of investors from the 2024 securitization participated in MPOWR 2025-A, while several new investors expanded the investor base. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as the Structuring Agent and Joint Bookrunner, with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as Joint Bookrunner. MPOWR 2025-A consisted of three tranches of notes. Morningstar DBRS ('DBRS') & Kroll Bond Rating Agency ('KBRA') rated the Class A Notes 'A'(sf)/'A'(sf), respectively. DBRS rated the Class B Notes 'BBB'(sf) and Class C Notes and 'BB(low)'(sf). The securitization's investors include blue-chip names spanning asset management, pension plans, and insurance funds. Strong demand amid a shifting landscape Despite macroeconomic concerns, MPOWER Financing is experiencing a significant uptick in demand from Indian graduate students pursuing higher education in the U.S. and Canada. Indian students are drawn by MPOWER's fixed-rate, U.S. dollar-denominated loans that provide students with financial stability and peace of mind amid a potentially uncertain currency and interest rate environments. Backed by prominent Wall Street institutions, MPOWER's commitment to empowering international students resonates strongly with those seeking advanced degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence, business, and healthcare. This deal comes at a critical time as demand for education financing among international students, particularly from India, continues to rise. Some key findings from MPOWER's 2024 Social Impact Report highlight the transformative impact of its financing solutions: ● India at the forefront: Thousands of Indian students have leveraged MPOWER's support to access premier universities in the U.S. and Canada. ● 15x income growth: MPOWER students who graduate and secure employment in the U.S. experience an average 15x increase in their pre-graduation household income, emphasizing the transformative power of their education. ● Strengthening families: 75% of surveyed MPOWER students send an average of $645 (approximately ₹50,000) per month back home to support their families after graduation, fostering economic upliftment across borders. 'MPOWER is proud to be at the forefront of ensuring that the best and brightest students—from across the globe—have access to the financing they need to realize their educational dreams,' said Manu Smadja, Chief Executive Officer of MPOWER. 'Investors recognize the value of this diverse student segment: ambitious, resilient, and contributing to the global economy in critical sectors like STEM and new paradigms driving business, such as AI. By supporting them, we are strengthening our business model and fueling innovation and economic growth in North America.' 'This securitization speaks to the growing demand for high-quality student financing,' said Jatin Rajput, MPOWER's Chief Financial Officer. 'Our second securitization further validates our status as a repeat issuer and underscores the demand for international student loans as an asset class among institutional investors.' About MPOWER Financing MPOWER Financing, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with employees worldwide, is a mission-driven fintech company and the leading provider of global education loans. Its proprietary algorithm analyzes overseas and domestic credit data as well as future earning potential to serve promising international students. MPOWER works with over 500 top universities across the U.S. and Canada to provide financing to students from over 200 countries. For more information, visit Media Contact Madhushri Verma 'This is a company press release that is not part of editorial content. No journalist of The Hindu was involved in the publication of this release.'
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
MPOWER Financing Securitizes $313.2 Million to Fuel Indian Students' Dreams Abroad
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 14: MPOWER Financing ("MPOWER"), a mission-driven fintech firm and the leader in international student financing, today announced the completion of its second securitization, MPOWER Education Trust 2025-A ("MPOWR 2025-A"). The $313.2 million collateral pool is composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate loans made to international students attending leading American and Canadian universities. The securitization size exceeds MPOWER's inaugural securitization of $215.2 million in 2024, and allows MPOWER to continue to scale loans issued primarily to graduate international students at more than 500 leading colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. This milestone is particularly significant for students from India who often face barriers in accessing affordable education financing abroad. The securitization will enable MPOWER to expand its reach and offer more students -- especially talented Indian students -- the opportunity to pursue higher education at top institutions without the need for a co-signer, collateral, or U.S. credit history. Thousands of Indian students leverage MPOWER's support every year to access premier universities in the U.S. and Canada. By broadening access to financing, MPOWER is helping to empower the next generation of global leaders and drive socio-economic mobility for students worldwide. Key deal elements: -The nearly 50% increase in collateral pool size over MPOWER's inaugural ABS reflects the company's robust year-over-year growth and reinforces its commitment to being a repeat, programmatic issuer in the ABS market. -All three bond classes were oversubscribed despite a larger deal size and ongoing bond market volatility, underscoring investor confidence in the credit quality of MPOWER's loan portfolio and demand for global graduate STEM talent in North America. -A number of investors from the 2024 securitization participated in MPOWR 2025-A, while several new investors expanded the investor base. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as the Structuring Agent and Joint Bookrunner, with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as Joint Bookrunner. MPOWR 2025-A consisted of three tranches of notes. Morningstar DBRS ("DBRS") & Kroll Bond Rating Agency ("KBRA") rated the Class A Notes 'A'(sf)/'A'(sf), respectively. DBRS rated the Class B Notes 'BBB'(sf) and Class C Notes and 'BB(low)'(sf). The securitization's investors include blue-chip names spanning asset management, pension plans, and insurance funds. Strong demand amid a shifting landscape Despite macroeconomic concerns, MPOWER Financing is experiencing a significant uptick in demand from Indian graduate students pursuing higher education in the U.S. and Canada. Indian students are drawn by MPOWER's fixed-rate, U.S. dollar-denominated loans that provide students with financial stability and peace of mind amid a potentially uncertain currency and interest rate environments. Backed by prominent Wall Street institutions, MPOWER's commitment to empowering international students resonates strongly with those seeking advanced degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence, business, and healthcare. This deal comes at a critical time as demand for education financing among international students, particularly from India, continues to rise. Some key findings from MPOWER's 2024 Social Impact Report highlight the transformative impact of its financing solutions: -India at the forefront: Thousands of Indian students have leveraged MPOWER's support to access premier universities in the U.S. and Canada. -15x income growth: MPOWER students who graduate and secure employment in the U.S. experience an average 15x increase in their pre-graduation household income, emphasizing the transformative power of their education. -Strengthening families: 75% of surveyed MPOWER students send an average of $645 (approximately Rs50,000) per month back home to support their families after graduation, fostering economic upliftment across borders. "MPOWER is proud to be at the forefront of ensuring that the best and brightest students--from across the globe--have access to the financing they need to realize their educational dreams," said Manu Smadja, Chief Executive Officer of MPOWER. "Investors recognize the value of this diverse student segment: ambitious, resilient, and contributing to the global economy in critical sectors like STEM and new paradigms driving business, such as AI. By supporting them, we are strengthening our business model and fueling innovation and economic growth in North America." "This securitization speaks to the growing demand for high-quality student financing," said Jatin Rajput, MPOWER's Chief Financial Officer. "Our second securitization further validates our status as a repeat issuer and underscores the demand for international student loans as an asset class among institutional investors." About MPOWER Financing MPOWER Financing, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with employees worldwide, is a mission-driven fintech company and the leading provider of global education loans. Its proprietary algorithm analyzes overseas and domestic credit data as well as future earning potential to serve promising international students. MPOWER works with over 500 top universities across the U.S. and Canada to provide financing to students from over 200 countries. For more information, visit
Business Wire
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Rating to MPOWER Education Trust 2025-A
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns a preliminary rating to the Class A Notes issued by MPOWER Education Trust 2025-A ('MPOWER 2025-A'), an asset-backed securitization collateralized by private education loans made to international students attending schools in the United States. MPOWER 2025-A is the second securitization of MPOWER Financing, Public Benefit Corporation ('MPOWER'). MPOWER issued its inaugural securitization in 2024. The transaction is a term ABS securitization collateralized by Education Loans originated by Bank of Lake Mills or by MPOWER under the MPOWER Private Education Loan Program. MPOWER 2025-A will issue three classes of notes totaling $297.6 million, collateralized by $313.2 million of education loans. MPOWER 2025-A has initial credit enhancement levels ranging from 21.58% for the Class A notes to 5.49% for the Class C notes. Credit enhancement is comprised of overcollateralization, subordination of junior note classes (except for the Class C notes), a cash reserve account and excess spread. Founded in 2014, MPOWER is a private education lender headquartered in Washington, D.C. MPOWER's product offering was developed to address the difficulties for international students in the U.S. and Canada to obtain education financing. The Company has developed relationships with over 500 universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada and has provided education financing to over 21,000 students from over 100 countries. KBRA applied its Private Student Loan ABS Global Rating Methodology, as well as its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology and ESG Global Rating Methodology as part of its analysis of the portfolio pool data, underlying collateral pool and capital structure. KBRA considered its operational reviews of MPOWER, as well as due diligence calls with MPOWER. Operative agreements and legal opinions will be reviewed prior to closing. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1009187
