Fintech firms are investment in people and buildings, too.

Continuing a trend of recent activities, iLending announced last week that it has opened its newest office in Columbia, S.C. 

According to a news release from the auto refinancing company, team members have begun work in the facility, and approximately 40 consultants are slated to be hired this year, with an additional 50 more by the end of 2022. 

“We’re thrilled to be in South Carolina, a state with a talented workforce, excellent educational institutions and significant footprint in financial services,” said iLending chief executive officer Tom Holgate, who took on this role last month.

“Our Columbia team members will work closely with customers across the country, guiding them through the refinance process to improve their finances and save money.  We have built our business by providing the best possible customer service and our new office will help us reach more consumers,” Holgate continued.

Through its network of credit unions and other finance companies, Holgate highlighted that iLending’s auto refinancing platform is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and can handle the entire process including finding the best rates, paying off the previous financing and re-titling the vehicle.

Holgate mentioned that iLending has saved its customers more than $50 million on their monthly payments so far this year.

“We estimate that one in four auto loans are overpriced, meaning consumers are often paying more in interest than they should be based on their current credit profile. Many of the customers we serve had no idea that refinancing their car loan was even an option for them,” Holgate said. “Our team in Columbia has a tremendous opportunity to help people and contribute to the growth of our business.”

And officials from the Palmetto State are glad to have iLending. Here are what a quartet of them said in the news release.

Richland County council chair Paul Livingston: “It is always exciting when a company opens its doors in Richland County, especially when it means more jobs for our strong and capable workforce. The council welcomes iLending to our community, and we wish the company great success at this new location.”

Columbia Economic Development director Ryan Coleman: “We are excited to have iLending open its first southeastern location in Columbia, S.C.  This company will bring 40 high paying new jobs to the area this year. Columbia was chosen for this location because of its talented workforce and the pipeline of talent generated by our universities and colleges.”

Columbia Economic Development deputy director Kay Hampton: “Columbia Economic Development has been focusing on the fintech industry as a growth area and having iLending open is exactly the type of jobs we want to create for Columbia. The Columbia based office will be working nationally but also available to provide services to Columbia and the Midlands.”

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Bob Morgan: “iLending’s decision to open a new center in Columbia is yet another example of the vibrance of South Carolina’s economy. The SC Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome iLending to the state and honored to have them as a partner in our effort to be the leading voice for business in South Carolina.”

Along with this move, iLending has substantially ramped up hiring to help support its growth, including bringing on additional senior-level executives, expanding its Austin, Texas office and developing near shore partnerships.