Tala Sees 80% YOY Growth, Eyes US$300 Million Revenue in 2025

Financial services platform Tala reported an 80% year-over-year increase in global growth for 1Q25, projecting annualized revenue of US$300 million despite challenges to fintech profitability.

David Lask, Tala’s executive director in Mexico, highlighted that the company’s performance came amid rising living costs, pressure on household incomes, and limited access to flexible financial products.

Founded in Kenya, Tala operates in multiple countries and has been active in Mexico for over seven years as a digital multi-purpose financial institution (Sofom). In Mexico, the company has issued more than 15 million loans to over 3 million users, maintaining a compound annual growth rate of 35% over the past three years.

“Our strategy from the start has been to understand and adapt to this volatility,” a Tala spokesperson said. “If a borrower cannot repay on time, we explore options to assist them and help them stay on track. This approach has been vital to our portfolio performance.”

Lask emphasized that support programs for customers facing repayment challenges have helped stabilize their financial situations, leading to higher customer retention and improved portfolio metrics.

Tala recently secured a US$150 million credit line from investment firm Neuberger Berman to strengthen its lending capacity in Mexico and meet growing demand.

The company’s model leverages artificial intelligence and data analytics to customize credit products based on individual user profiles. Lask noted that this precision has allowed Tala to effectively serve a highly diverse user base.

“In Mexico, we are deeply resilient. We have weathered macroeconomic crises and natural disasters and always find a way forward,” Lask said. “During the pandemic, we saw the rise of 'nenis'—women entrepreneurs selling from home. We observe this adaptability and aim to provide context-appropriate financial solutions.”

While many fintechs pursue licenses to raise public funds, such as Sofipo or full banking licenses, Tala has not confirmed plans to follow suit. Lask stated that the company remains focused on refining its core lending business.

“For now, we are dedicated to improving what we do best: providing financing that genuinely helps people,” he said.