Regional Management Corp. (NYSE: RM) announced on March 5, 2026 that it has entered into a lending partnership with Column N.A., a nationally chartered bank that specializes in providing regulated financial infrastructure for fintech innovators. The partnership, which began operations during the week of March 3, 2026, will allow Column to serve as a bank partner for RM’s secured and unsecured installment‑loan products in select states, expanding the company’s distribution network and product reach.
Under the agreement, Column will supply the banking infrastructure needed to support RM’s auto‑secured and small‑loan portfolios, while RM will continue to source and underwrite borrowers through its branch network. The collaboration is designed to accelerate growth in the states where the partnership is active and to enhance RM’s ability to offer a broader range of financing options to its customers.
The partnership follows a strong Q4 2025 earnings season in which RM reported net income of $12.9 million, diluted EPS of $1.30, and revenue of $169.7 million—up 30.2% and 32.7% year‑over‑year, respectively. Total originations reached $537.3 million, a 12.9% increase, and the auto‑secured portfolio grew 42.4% YoY. Management projected 2026 growth of at least 10% in ending net receivables and 20‑25% in net income, while noting typical Q1 credit seasonality and potential pressure from elevated tax refunds. The new partnership is positioned to build on this momentum by extending RM’s reach into underserved markets and leveraging Column’s modern banking platform.
Segment‑level data from the Q4 results show that auto‑secured loans contributed the largest share of originations, while small‑loan and large‑loan segments also experienced robust growth. By partnering with Column, RM can standardize product offerings across states, reduce regulatory complexity, and accelerate entry into new geographic markets—capabilities that were previously limited by the company’s own banking infrastructure.
Lakhbir S. Lamba, President and CEO of RM, said: "As we continue to grow our business and serve our customers' varied financial needs, we are excited to enter into this strategic partnership with Column. Column's modern banking infrastructure and commitment to innovation will provide meaningful strategic benefits, including faster entry into new markets, the ability to broaden our product set, greater product and operational uniformity across states, and the opportunity to expand our customer reach. We view this partnership as a wonderful opportunity to support our long-term growth and profitability." Brian Fishbein, Chief Investment Officer at Column, added: "Regional has a long track record of providing its customers with valuable financial products and a best‑in‑class experience. Regional's disciplined underwriting, well‑established and growing market presence, and strategic approach to building this relationship make it an ideal partner for Column's scalable banking infrastructure."
The partnership positions RM to leverage Column’s nationally chartered banking capabilities—such as direct access to the Federal Reserve System and a robust balance sheet—to scale its consumer‑finance operations, improve product uniformity, and drive future growth across the United States. By combining RM’s relationship‑based lending model with Column’s product‑creation expertise, the two companies aim to increase loan originations and broaden customer access to financing in a competitive market.
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