NASSAU, The Bahamas – RF Bank & Trust (“RF”) has deepened its partnership with Simplified Lending Limited through the acquisition of a 20% equity stake in the Simplified Group of Companies, which includes Simplified Lending, Affinity Insurance, Auto Simplified, Simplified Tech, and Simplified Real Estate Holdings. The acquisition was executed through the RF Strat-Equity Fund (the “Fund”)—an innovative private equity fund, managed by RF Bank & Trust, that prioritizes long-term capital appreciation through strategic investments in high-performing companies.
This latest investment by the Fund builds on a strong relationship forged between RF and Simplified Lending following the former’s successful arrangement of a $50 million bond facility, launched earlier this year to expand access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across The Bahamas.
Advancing Financial Inclusion and Regional Growth
RF’s minority acquisition, delivered via its Strat-Equity Fund, marks a new phase in the partnership, underscoring the premier investment bank’s confidence in Simplified’s vision to create a more robust financial ecosystem that bridges access gaps for both individuals and businesses. Citing the fast-growing nature of alternative finance channels both within and beyond the Caribbean region, RF leadership hailed the investment as a milestone for financial empowerment.
“Across the globe, alternative financing solutions are an essential complement to traditional banking, and The Bahamas is no exception,” said Gerhard Beukes, VP & Group Head of Funds & Investment Banking at RF Bank & Trust. “By taking a stake in Simplified, RF is investing not only in a company but a financial ecosystem that continues to empower Bahamians, grow local enterprise, and strengthen our economic landscape. “
In archipelagic nations like The Bahamas, where rural communities are historically underbanked, and where informal labour continues to represent a significant component of economic activity, non-bank financial institutions like Simplified can broaden access to capital, creating a more inclusive and prosperous economy.
In its sustained effort to promote ethical, impactful enterprise, RF will continue to provide corporate advisory support to the Simplified Group through board-level collaboration, while honouring the Group’s operational independence and existing leadership structure.
A Strategic Step Toward Building a Regional Ecosystem
Robert Pantry, Founder and Group CEO of Simplified, described the acquisition as a strategic move designed to accelerate the company’s growth both locally and regionally.
“We view the acquisition as a strategic partnership that aligns with our vision of building a financial ecosystem capable of adding real value to our customers,” Pantry said. “It strengthens our ability to continue transforming Simplified Lending from a local alternative lender into a regional financial institution, positioning a Bahamian company to compete on the global stage.”
He added that this next phase of collaboration with RF Bank & Trust will not only enhance Simplified’s lending capacity but also open new opportunities for integration across its insurance, auto, and technology divisions.
About Simplified Group’s Impact
The Simplified Group of Companies has evolved into one of The Bahamas’ most dynamic and innovative business ecosystems, driving transformation across multiple sectors. Simplified Lending, the Group’s flagship company, continues to redefine access to finance in The Bahamas. In addition to its established consumer lending division, the company has expanded into asset-based lending and factoring, providing critical support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking more flexible funding options.
Auto Simplified, the Group’s automotive subsidiary, focuses on the sale of pre-owned hybrid vehicles, bridging the transition from gasoline to electric vehicles (EVs). The company has quickly become one of the largest pre-owned vehicle dealers in the country, helping Bahamians access affordable, environmentally friendly transportation options.
Through Simplified Tech Ltd., the Group launched The Bahamas’ first humanoid robot, “Evie,” signalling a bold step toward AI integration and digital innovation. Simplified Tech is now expanding its suite of AI adoption and implementation services, enabling Bahamian organisations to harness the power of automation and artificial intelligence, while bridging the gap towards the future economy.
Rounding out the ecosystem, Affinity Insurance continues to support businesses by offering flexible insurance payment plans, ensuring SMEs can protect their assets without compromising cash flow or growth.
Together, the companies within the Simplified Group embody a shared purpose—to bridge the gap between people’s goals and happiness—while fostering sustainable development and technological advancement across The Bahamas and the wider region.
About RF Bank & Trust
Since its inception in 1997, RF has been committed to helping clients create and manage wealth. The firm has helped clients raise over USD $2.2 billion in capital, manages $1.5 billion in assets, and administers over $2 billion. RF offers a broad range of financial solutions including Mutual Funds, Investment Management, Investment Banking, Group & Personal Pension Plans, Stock Brokerage, and Trust & Estate Planning
For more information, please visit http://www.www.rfgroup.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @rfbanktrust.
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Ethan Knowles
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RF Bank & Trust
+1 242 603-6000
