Ablrate to test Goji-powered IFISA this week ahead of launch

ABLRATE will start testing its Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) this week ahead of its imminent launch, having opted for Goji to provide the technology for the tax-free wrapper.

The peer-to-peer lender, which specialises in asset-backed business loans, gained ISA manager approval from HMRC at the end of April. This followed full authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority at the end of March.

It said at the time of the HMRC approval that it was evaluating third-party providers that could provide the administrative and technical solutions for the wrapper, as it would be more “cost effective”.

“We decided to go with Goji as it’s easier for us to outsource the technology,” chief executive David Bradley-Ward told Peer2Peer Finance News.

“We’re in the process of integrating our back office into theirs.”

He said that Ablrate had almost finalised the terms of the IFISA. The product will be flexible, meaning that investors will be able to withdraw and replace money in the wrapper within the same tax year.

Ablrate’s IFISA will offer the same returns as the platform’s standard product, he confirmed.

“We have no intention of putting extra charges on the IFISA but we reserve the right to do so in future if costs end up spiralling,” he said.

Read more: Goji launches P2P bond for adviser market

Ablrate has sponsored the PGA EuroPro Tour’s £100,000 Shoot-Out competition, which takes place on 27 June at Cumberwell Park Gold Club.

“As an online lending company it is important for us to engage with our core demographic of lenders and borrowers and golf is one of those sports that can help us do that,” said Bradley-Ward when the sponsorship deal was announced last month.

Ablrate came on to the market in July 2014, specialising in providing leasing finance for aircraft deals. It has since expanded into capital equipment and property, targeting 10 per cent returns.

Read more: Goji signs up four Innovative Finance ISA providers