Direct Lending started in 2016 as a digital lending marketplace platform, enabling borrowers to find, apply and receive financing that best suits them safely and affordably. There are currently over 30 financing providers on its platform, from co-operatives, Bursa Malaysia-listed companies, licensed moneylenders, and credit communities.

In more recent times, Direct Lending launched its first point-of-sales financing solution in late March 2022, a Syariah-compliant, fully digital auto service financing that enables car owners to obtain financing at a workshop to pay for their essential car repairs instantly. In December 2022, Direct Lending further expanded the business by offering financing to micro SME businesses.

We speak to Founder and Director Hui Yik Seong about building and growing a digital lending marketplace platform, the rationale for launching its own financing solutions, and more.