Chinese FinTech CFO on IPO Day: Mobile, Blockchain Will Drive Industry Innovation
FinTech in China is booming, and one of the country's peer-to-peer lenders is making its market debut on the New York Stock Exchange. Simon Ho, CFO of PPDAI, joins us to discuss his company's decision to go public. Shares opened for trading at $13.30, slightly above its IPO price of $13 a share.
PPDAI is not the only Chinese lending company seeking investments from the public markets. Ho fills Cheddar in on why there is such a massive opportunity in peer-to-peer lending in China. He notes that companies capitalized on the governments unwillingness to hand out small loans to individuals.
The IPO comes during a time of heightened concerns over Chinese regulations over tech companies. Regulators are worried some lenders are charging unreasonably high rates. Ho explains how the PPDAI is navigating the waters of regulations and breaks down the company's rate structure.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
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