REBEL

Rebel is a Brazilian financial technology company that functions as an online lending platform targeting the middle-class consumer. The company was established in 2017 by founders Rafael Pereira, André Botelho Bastos, and Paulo Asterio Nunes. Positioned as a correspondent bank, Rebel is not a direct financial institution but rather facilitates loans in partnership with established financial entities.

The firm's core business revolves around providing unsecured personal loans through a digital-first approach. It leverages big data and machine learning to analyze a user's financial profile, aiming to offer more accessible and fairly priced credit. The platform is noted for being the first in the Brazilian market to utilize blockchain for contract certification, adding a layer of security to its operations. Clients can apply for loans ranging from BRL 1,000 to BRL 25,000, with repayment terms of up to 24 months. Interest rates are variable, starting from as low as 2.9% per month. The process is streamlined for the user: they select a loan amount, provide necessary information, and connect their bank account, which allows Rebel's technology to analyze their financial statements to determine creditworthiness and loan terms.

In addition to its lending services, Rebel offers a proprietary credit scoring tool called the Rebel Score. This service is provided free of charge and is designed to give consumers a transparent view of their credit profile, along with actionable advice for improving their financial health. Since its inception, the company has processed over a billion dollars in loan requests. A significant milestone in its history was the March 2021 merger with Geru, another credit fintech. Following the merger, both companies became part of a holding company named Open Co, though they continue to operate as independent brands, with Rebel focusing on clients who may not have a high enough credit score to secure loans from traditional institutions.

Keywords: personal loans, fintech, online lending, consumer credit, big data, machine learning, credit score, Brazil, financial services, blockchain