Equities First Holdings Experiences Rapid International Growth in 2013, Establishes Offices and Furthers Reach into Europe and Asia Pacific

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Equities First Holdings (EFH), a global stock-based lender providing full services to commercial and individual clients, announced double-digit growth and international expansion during 2013.  EFH set new records in 2013 with a 45% increase in closed loans, compared to 2012 figures.  The firm has grown at a 30% average annual rate since its inception in 2002.

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EFH accelerated its growth in 2013 through a strategic partnership with Meridian Equity Partners, a global investment and advisory firm in London and Sydney.  The company also opened additional offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta.  EFH's total global workforce increased by 50% during 2013.

Al Christy, President of EFH said, "Our growth remains very strong and it's truly global as 70% of the loans generated last year were with international parties. Individual investors, businesses, and executives of public companies use these loans as much-needed capital and, in many cases, for business investment.  EFH stock-based loans allow investors to unlock the value of their stock by accessing liquidity at attractive terms with a non-recourse transaction."

According to Christy, despite an improving economy, the world needs alternative sources for capital.  "EFH's innovative lending process has proven successful through nearly seven hundred transactions, and is an attractive alternative to a costly traditional loan or a margin loan.  The EFH model allows a stock-based loan with low interest rates, a high loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 60% to 80%, and downside protection from a volatile stock market."

"We are seeing explosive growth in many markets including Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe.  And the growth outlook is tremendous," said Jeff Smith, Managing Director at EFH.  "We accept shares for collateral from dozens of exchanges around the world, allowing us to bring this innovative solution to new audiences." 

EFH also doubled the size of its headquarters in the Market Tower in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana during 2013, increasing its operations and investment management staff.   "We have built a top-notch team to provide excellent client service, operations, and investment management.   We continue to invest in our own operations as we experience ongoing rapid expansion."   EFH cites a roster of longtime strategic partners including the world's largest custodian banks, top tier investment banks, and top law firms in the international and local jurisdictions. 

About Equities First Holdings
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Equities First Holdings (EFH) is a stock-based lender for institutional and individual clients. Through EFH's straightforward process, clients are able to gain fast access to liquidity at below-market rates by using publicly traded shares as collateral. Since its inception in 2002, EFH has completed nearly a thousand transactions for clients ranging from global companies to ultra and high-net-worth individuals. To learn more, please visit www.equitiesfirst.com

Contact:
Scott Tangney, 212-508-9661
Makovsky
[email protected]

SOURCE Equities First Holdings