Central Bank approves purchase of Credihome SCD by Antonio Freixo's Entre Group

The Entre Group, led by businessman Antonio Freixo, or Mineiro, has received approval from the Central Bank (BC) to take corporate control of Credihome Sociedade de Crédito Direto. As reported by Finsiders Brasilwhich had revealed the acquisition last month, the authorization was published in the Federal Official Gazette on Friday (28/3).

The transaction exclusively involves the credit fintech license (SCD), while Credihome, which operates with real estate credit and home equity, will remain under the management of the startup Loft, which acquired the business in 2021.

The Direct Credit Company (SCD) license allows fintechs to operate as digital financial institutions, granting credit with their own resources. One of the main differences with banks is that it does not allow them to raise money from the public. According to the Central Bank, this modality also makes it possible to offer services such as analyzing and collecting credit from third parties, issuing electronic money and distributing insurance, among other services, all through online platforms.‍

Credihome SCD to be renamed Octa

With the approval, Credihome SCD will be renamed Octa, becoming the base for services such as opening accounts, issuing cards and settling transactions via Pix and boletos. "SCD is practically a bank, it just can't leverage capital. With Octa, we're going to structure all of Grupo Entre's core banking, while EntrePay will continue to focus on acquiring," explained Antonio Carlos Freixo Junior, CEO of Grupo Entre, to Finsiders Brasil.

Grupo Entre has been consolidating its presence in the financial sector, expanding its operations since the creation of EntrePay in 2022. Now, with Octa, the company's ecosystem is further strengthened, enabling greater financial inclusion and diversity of services for customers and partners.

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