Finsus to Acquire Anticipa to Expand SME Financing in Mexico

Finsus acquires fintech Anticipa to boost SME financing in Mexico, launching new loan products tied to card sales and expanding digital banking access.

Finsus has announced its acquisition of Mexico-based fintech Anticipa in a strategic move aimed at broadening access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The deal underscores Finsus’ ambition to become Mexico’s first fully digital neobank, with a focus on providing innovative, digital-first financial products. While the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, both companies emphasize the long-term benefits for Mexico’s SME sector.

Bringing New Financing Solutions to SMEs

Anticipa, a merchant cash advance platform, specializes in providing debt capital to SMEs. Its flagship service offers businesses access to working capital in exchange for a portion of their future card sales. According to Finsus, integrating Anticipa’s product will allow it to introduce a new financing option of up to $150,000 MXN, secured directly against merchants’ card sales. This solution will be offered alongside Finsus’ existing portfolio, all regulated by Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV).

Card payments in Mexico reached $103 billion in 2023 and have been growing at a double-digit annual rate. Finsus plans to leverage this growth to reach more small businesses, particularly those excluded from traditional banking systems.

Reaching Mexico’s Unbanked and Underbanked

CEO Carlos Marmolejo stressed that while Mexico’s retail sector is rapidly adopting digital technologies, financial services have lagged behind. Many SMEs generate daily sales but lack the formal documentation required by banks for loan approval. This limits their access to growth capital, even when their sales performance clearly indicates creditworthiness.

By acquiring Anticipa, Finsus aims to bridge this gap. The integration of Anticipa’s technology and lending model will help provide quick, accessible financing to thousands of businesses that have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions.

A Continued Expansion Strategy

This acquisition marks another milestone in Finsus’ expansion strategy. In 2024, the company acquired Pulpi, a fintech specializing in payroll advances and employee credit. The move into SME financing further diversifies Finsus’ service offerings while positioning it as a comprehensive digital banking provider.

“Millions of small businesses are contributing to the economy every day, but without access to the capital they need, their growth potential remains limited,” said Marmolejo. “Our acquisition of Anticipa is a step toward ensuring these businesses can access fair, fast, and flexible financing.”

Anticipa’s Proven Track Record

Since its founding, Anticipa has provided 1.3 billion pesos in cash advances to SMEs across Mexico. CEO Juan Fernández Casas highlighted that joining Finsus aligns perfectly with Anticipa’s mission of empowering small businesses.

“Our goal has always been to solve the financing challenges SMEs face in Mexico,” said Fernández Casas. “Partnering with Finsus will allow us to expand our impact, improve our technology, and deliver more value to our customers.”

Looking Ahead

The acquisition is expected to enhance Finsus’ ability to serve a rapidly evolving SME market in Mexico. By combining Finsus’ vision of a digital-first banking experience with Anticipa’s proven lending model, the partnership could accelerate financial inclusion in a country where over 50% of the population remains unbanked.

With card-based transactions continuing to grow and SMEs playing a central role in Mexico’s economic output, the timing of this deal positions Finsus to capitalize on both macroeconomic trends and underserved market opportunities.