Clar

Clar operates a proprietary credit platform that connects consumers with financial institutions, aiming to digitize and streamline access to credit across the globe. Founded in 2016 by Ivar Schmidt and based in Stockholm, Sweden, the company has expanded its operations to over 11 markets across four continents.

The firm's business model is centered on a single, scalable platform that serves as a digital broker. This platform connects a network of over 300 banks and lending partners with more than 50 million consumers. Clar operates through nine distinct, high-performing brands, each tailored to local consumer preferences while leveraging shared technology and operational knowledge. This strategy allows for rapid market entry, with the company able to launch in a new market in under 90 days.

For its lending partners, Clar provides a stream of filtered and verified loan applications, reducing customer acquisition costs and accelerating go-to-market timelines. The company's revenue is generated through a cost-per-sale (CPS) model, where partners pay only when a customer finalizes a loan agreement, eliminating signup fees and volume risk. For consumers, the platform offers transparent access to credit offers matched to their individual profiles, which improves approval accuracy and user trust. The system integrates scoring, onboarding, and compliance into a unified system, helping lenders adapt to regulations and scale efficiently.

Keywords: consumer credit, digital lending, financial technology, credit marketplace, loan origination, risk management, financial infrastructure, fintech platform, lending as a service, global finance