Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement FAQs

The Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement (IWFA) serves as a financial arrangement where Conister Bank acquires equitable benefits and legal rights to the underlying agreements assigned to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA). This strategic arrangement not only creates a secure and organised facility for the Borrower but also streamlines their access to various forms of capital within a single unified framework. By transitioning away from traditional structures like Block Discounting or Revolving Credit Facilities, this meticulously designed solution enables the Borrower to drive additional growth while maintaining secure lending practices

In an Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement (IWFA), Conister Bank manages security by taking a debenture over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), imposing a share charge over its assets, and securing the arrangement through the IWFA. Additionally, a collection account is established for handling customer receipts, with Conister Bank either serving as a signatory or directly owning the account. This approach ensures that the agreements are well-secured and that Conister Bank maintains control over the flow of funds.

Conister Bank requires the maintenance of a Client Transaction Account that holds between 3% and 10% of the outstanding principal balance. This percentage is determined during the pre-lend audit. The purpose of this reserve is to cover potential shortfalls that may arise from defaults or buyback obligations.

The Borrower is fully responsible for servicing the agreement, including origination, onboarding, administration, collections, and enforcement. This includes managing all customer queries and complaints. A standby servicer is appointed, and a tripartite agreement including Conister Bank is signed before the Facility goes live.

The Borrower is required to provide a daily SQL backup, which is a full data extract from their loan management system or data warehouse. Conister Bank collaborates with the Borrower to establish a suitable data schema to ensure that all necessary data is accurately and securely managed.

Under the terms of the IWFA, the borrower is required to buy back any loans that reach 90 days in arrears or fail to meet the agreed-upon Eligibility Criteria.

The Borrower must provide a range of legal documents to satisfy conditions precedent and achieve legal completion. These documents include:

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) identification documents to verify the borrower's identity.
• Valid proof of address documentation.

Additionally, the following conditions may be required:

• Agreements with Software as a Service (SaaS) and Systems, Underwriting, and Networking (SUN) providers.
• Any other necessary legal documents as stipulated by Conister Bank.

These requirements ensure compliance with regulatory standards and the secure execution of the Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement.

During onboarding, a pre-lend audit and a Hard Stop Exit Plan are conducted. Thereafter, quarterly audits—both remote and on-site—are performed. These audits focus on various aspects such as regulatory compliance and financial performance to ensure ongoing adherence to the terms of the Facility.

In the Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement (IWFA), financial covenants include the facility security ratio, tangible net worth, and interest cover. These covenants are established based on the borrower's historical and forecasted performance to ensure financial stability and compliance. Conister Bank actively monitors adherence to these covenants throughout the life of the Facility to manage risk and maintain financial health.

In an Integrated Wholesale Funding Agreement (IWFA), Borrowers are responsible for covering pre-lend audit fees and legal fees. Additional costs and fees are outlined and discussed during the onboarding process, ensuring transparency and understanding of all financial obligations associated with the agreement.