Employees of the Latvian fintech company DelfinGroup have converted their first stock options into shares as part of a stock option programme, thus becoming shareholders with the opportunity to participate in shareholders' meetings, make decisions on the company's development and receive dividends. A total of 57 911 additional DelfinGroup shares were listed on the stock exchange following the conversion of stock options.

 

Last year, the company launched a unique programme in Latvia, under which DelfinGroup will issue 450 thousand company shares. The option programme provides options to the company's employees over four years so that all employees working there for at least 12 months will be granted new stock options each year. These entitle the employees to purchase DelfinGroup shares at par value, with the possibility of earning additional funds as the company develops after the conversion of the options. Last year, 202 DelfinGroup employees qualified for options.

 

"The stock option programme is part of DelfinGroup strategy as an innovative employer. In Latvia, this type of employee motivation is still an innovation, but it is common practice in other parts of the world. We are pleased with the response of our employees in converting their first shares, which demonstrates their loyalty and belief in the company's future. Stock options are becoming an important asset in the labour market worldwide, contributing to both financial benefits for employees and to an overall positive working environment, where employees not only perform their duties but also participate in the development of the company by jointly achieving its goals," explains Didzis Ādmīdiņš, Chairman of the Management Board of DelfinGroup.

 

D. Ādmīdiņš adds that the employee stock option programme is a way to further strengthen the team towards one goal – further growth of the company. It is also an opportunity to broaden employees' knowledge about investments, for example, by providing an opportunity to understand the functioning of stock markets and financial planning principles, which can be helpful in both personal life and professional development.

 

Anija Krauze, a Customer Service Specialist from Aizkraukle, explains the benefits of becoming a shareholder: "I would like to participate in meetings of shareholders and decision-making. I think that being an employee of the company and understanding the day-to-day processes and clients makes it easier to see potential directions to move in to develop the business, as well as what to work on in the future."

 

Employees also emphasise that being involved in decision-making and cultivating value, which in the long term may result in the possibility of financially benefiting from an increase in share price, will strengthen the bond with the company, thus creating a greater sense of belonging. "Such a programme certainly sets a company apart from other employers as it offers all employees, not just senior management, the opportunity to become shareholders. It reflects the desire of DelfinGroup to create equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their position," adds Artūrs Dreimanis, Investor Relations Manager.

 

New shareholders have the same rights as existing shareholders, i.e., the possibility to receive dividends, participate in shareholders' meetings, and make decisions that affect the company's development, etc. Moreover, this programme is unique because it involves all employees. DelfinGroup employees who have converted their options will, like other company shareholders, receive quarterly dividends under the dividend policy of DelfinGroup. This policy provides that up to 50% of the company's profits are paid to shareholders in dividends each quarter.

 

About DelfinGroup

AS DelfinGroup is a licenced fintech company established in 2009 and operates under the brand names Banknote and VIZIA. The company has been profitable every year since 2010. DelfinGroup continuously develops and offers consumer and pawn loans, loans developed for senior citizens, Buy now pay later loans (BNPL loans), and the sale of pre-owned goods online and at more than 90 branches across Latvia. Since 2014, DelfinGroup has been known on the Nasdaq Riga Stock Exchange as a bond issuer and, since 2021, as a listed company on the Baltic Main List. The company regularly pays dividends to its shareholders. The sustainability of DelfinGroup is based on focused corporate governance, fintech innovation, responsible lending, financial inclusion, and facilitating the circular economy.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Linda Eltermane,
DelfinGroup Head of PR
Phone: +371 28700457
E-mail: [email protected]