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Sezzle Inc

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 27, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 27, 2025

SEZL$149.43-3.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-29.

0001662991-24-000052

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-27.

0001662991-25-000041

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 186 previous paragraphs and 213 current paragraphs.

108 unchanged; 58 reworded; 45 added; 20 removed; 0 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (45)

Current report

We cannot currently assess the likelihood of any future unfavorable legislation or regulations being proposed or enacted that could affect our products and services in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. In January 2025, control of the executive branch of the U.S. government changed as well as some changes in the legislative branch, which may have a significant impact on existing and contemplated financial services laws. Additionally, executive orders and other executive actions, including the new administration’s direction that the CFPB suspend rule-making implementations and cease supervisory activities, have been issued with direct and indirect impacts on financial services regulation. U.S. state regulators also have broad discretionary power and may impose new licensing requirements, interpret or enforce existing regulatory requirements in different ways or issue new administrative rules that could adversely impact our business or require us to terminate or modify our operations in a particular state. We closely monitor proposed legislation in the jurisdictions we offer products and services. For more information, see “Risks Related to Our Regulatory Environment.”

Current report

We believe that growth of our business is dependent, in part, on our ability to generate repeat use and increased transaction volume from existing consumers and to attract new consumers to the Sezzle Platform. We generate transaction income from consumer fees that are related to processing orders and payments, including Sezzle On-Demand. We also generate subscription revenue when consumers enroll in our optional, paid subscriptions. The attractiveness of the Sezzle Platform as a payment method and our subscription products, depends upon, among other things: ease of use and functionality of the Sezzle Platform, the features and amenities offered through the subscription product, consumer experience and satisfaction, our brand and reputation, and consumer trust.

Current report

The process of developing new services or enhancing our existing products and services to compete with technological advances and new digital payment options to retain existing consumers or attract new consumers is complex, costly and uncertain. Difficulties or failures in the development, production, testing and marketing of new products or services may cause consumers to shift away to competitors or other payment options. The acquisition of new consumers is costly and high turnover in our consumer base could result in higher than anticipated overhead costs. All of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, financial condition and our results of operations.

Current report

To the extent we are required to raise additional financing, turmoil in the capital markets, including the tightening of credit and increased interest rates, may impact our ability to raise financing on terms and at a cost favorable to us. We may be required to raise capital during a weak economy, and have little flexibility to wait for more favorable terms or economic conditions. We are likely to face higher borrowing costs, less available capital, more stringent terms and tighter covenants. Such unfavorable market conditions could have an adverse impact on our ability to fund our operations and capital expenditures in the future. Any adverse change in the terms of our financing, including increased costs, could have a negative impact on our financial condition.

Current report

Our agreement with our originating bank partner, WebBank, which has originated a substantial majority of loans facilitated by the Sezzle Platform since September 26, 2024, is non-exclusive and subject to early termination by WebBank upon the occurrence of certain events. If this agreement is terminated and we are unable to replace the commitments of WebBank or WebBank, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted.

Current report

We rely on WebBank to originate a substantial majority of the loans facilitated by the Sezzle Platform and to comply with various federal and state laws. The agreement with WebBank (the “WebBank Agreement”) is subject to early termination by WebBank upon certain events. Under the WebBank Agreement, WebBank is the exclusive issuer of our card products (including virtual card, subject to a one year transition period), on-demand products, and pay-in-four or pay-in-two consumer loans. The WebBank Agreement does not prohibit WebBank from working with our competitors or from offering competing services. WebBank currently participates in a variety of consumer and commercial financing programs, some of which include, or may in the future include, our competitors. WebBank could terminate the WebBank Agreement or suspend performance of its oblations under the WebBank Agreement immediately upon certain events or could decide to enter into a more favorable relationship with one or more of our competitors. WebBank may not perform as expected under the WebBank Agreement. We could have a disagreement or dispute with WebBank in the future which could negatively impact or threaten our relationship or with other originating banks with whom we may seek to partner.

Current report

WebBank is subject to oversight by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions (“UDFI”) and must comply with rules and regulations and examination requirements, including requirements to maintain a certain amount of regulatory capital relative to its outstanding loans. We are a service provider to WebBank, and as such, we are subject to audit by WebBank and regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over WebBank in accordance with the WebBank Agreement and FDIC guidance related to the management of vendors.

Current report

If WebBank were to suspend, limit, or cease its operations, or if our relationship with WebBank were to otherwise terminate or be suspended for any reason, we would need to implement substantially similar arrangement with another bank, originate loans directly, or curtail our operations. If we enter into a relationship with a different originating bank partner, we may not be able to negotiate comparable terms in a timely manner or at all. If we are unable or unwilling to enter into a similar arrangement with another originating banking partner, we will become subject to additional state laws and state licensing requirements. In the event that our relationship with WebBank were terminated or suspended, our business, results of operations, and financial obligations would be adversely impacted.

Current report

Changes to our key operating metrics may negatively affect our business and reputation.

Current report

As our products and services change or expand over time, we may revise or cease reporting certain key operating metrics if we determine such metrics are no longer appropriate measures of our performance. We regularly review our processes for calculating these key operating metrics, and from time to time we may make adjustments to improve the accuracy or relevance of these key metrics. Our key operating metrics are calculated using internal company data based on activity we measure and compiled from multiple systems, and we believe to be reasonable methodologies and estimates. If investors, analysts, or customers do not consider our reported measures to be sufficient or to accurately reflect our business, we may receive negative publicity, our reputation may be damaged, and our business may be adversely affected.

Current report

Conditions in the capital and credit markets, including higher interest rates, may adversely affect our access to various sources of capital or financing and the cost of capital, which could affect our business activities and earnings.

Current report

In periods when the capital and credit markets experience significant volatility, the amounts, sources, and cost of capital available to us may be adversely affected. If sufficient sources of external financing are unavailable to us on cost effective terms, we could be forced to limit our growth activities or take other actions to fund our business activities and repay our debt, such as selling assets. If we are able and choose to access capital at a higher cost than we have experienced in recent years (reflected in higher interest rates for debt financing or a lower stock price for equity financing), our earnings and cash flow could be adversely affected.

Current report

Compliance with these laws and regulations is costly, time-consuming, and limits our operational flexibility. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with any statute, ordinance, regulation, rules and/or guidance may subject us to significant fines, penalties, criminal and civil lawsuits, and enforcement actions in one or more jurisdictions; result in significant compliance costs and licensing requirements, cause us to lose existing licenses or prevent or delay us from obtaining pending licenses; restrict our operations or force us to make changes to our business practices; and incur significant reputational damage. Legal proceedings brought under state consumer protection statutes or under federal consumer financial services statutes subject to the jurisdiction of the CFPB and FTC, in particular, may result in a separate fine for each violation of the statute, which, particularly in the case of class action lawsuits, could result in damages in excess of the amounts we earned from the underlying activities.

Current report

We are subject to the regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement authority of the CFPB. Regulations issued by the CFPB or examinations by the CFPB, or changes in such regulations and examinations, could impact our business and financial condition due to, among other things, increased compliance costs or costs due to noncompliance.

Current report

Under Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB has broad authority to regulate and supervise providers of consumer financial products and services, including bank and non-banking entities, such as us and our originating bank partner. The CFPB is specifically authorized, among other things, to take actions to prevent companies providing consumer financial products or services and their service providers from engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in connection with consumer financial products and services, and to issue rules requiring enhanced disclosures for our loan products and services. The CFPB also has authority to interpret, enforce, and issue regulations implementing enumerated consumer laws that apply to our business.

Current report

In 2017, the CFPB issued a final rule under its unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices rule-making authority relating to certain installment loans entitled “Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans” (the "Rule"). The Rule introduces new limitations on repayment for lenders of certain installment loans. If a consumer has two consecutive failed payment attempts, the lender must obtain a consumer’s new and specific authorization to make further withdrawals from the consumer’s bank account. The lender may also be required to provide certain notices to consumers before attempting a first payment withdrawal, an unusual withdrawal and/or after two consecutive failed payment attempts. The Rule is expected to become effective March 31, 2025, and may require changes to our practices and procedures for such loans, which could adversely affect our ability to make such loans and the profitability of such loans. Additionally, any further regulatory changes to the Rule could have effects beyond those currently contemplated that could further materially and adversely impact our business and operations.

Current report

In addition to the above, we may become subject to future CFPB rule-making and the enactment of one or more of such regulatory changes, or the exercise of broad regulatory authority by the CFPB over the Company’s business or discretionary consumer financial transactions, generally, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and prospects. See “Risks Related to Our Industry-The BNPL industry has become subject to increased regulatory scrutiny, and our failure to manage our business to comply with new regulations would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition”for more information.

Current report

We rely on our originating bank partner for a substantial majority of the loans facilitated on the Sezzle Platform and if this relationship is successfully challenged or deemed impermissible, we could be found to be in violation of licensing, interest rate limit, lending, or brokering laws and face penalties, fines, litigation, or regulatory enforcement.

Current report

A substantial majority of the loans facilitated through the Sezzle Platform are originated by WebBank, our originating bank partner, and we rely on our originating bank partner model to comply with various federal and state laws in accordance with the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (“DIDMCA”) and the Valid-When-Made Rule. Pursuant to the DIDMCA, a state-chartered, FDIC-insured bank is permitted to “export” interest rates from the state where the bank is located for loans originated by such bank, regardless of the usury limitations imposed by the state law of the borrower’s residence, unless the borrower’s state has chosen to opt out of the exportation regime. The Valid-When-Made Rule provides, generally, that the determination of whether interest on a loan is permissible under Section 27 is made at the time the loan is made and that interest on a loan permissible under Section 27 shall not be affected by the sale, assignment, or other transfer of the loan, in whole or in part.

Current report

While a number of state attorneys general have unsuccessfully challenged the Valid-When-Made Rule, if the legal structure underlying our relationship with WebBank was successfully challenged, we may be in violation of state licensing requirements and state laws regulating interest rates and other aspects of consumer lending. Many states have passed laws, or have proposed laws, capping interest rates on consumer loans at rates that are lower than the annual percentage rate of some the loans originated on the Sezzle Platform. In the event of such a challenge or if our arrangement with our originating bank partner were to change or terminate for any reason, we would need to rely on an alternative bank relationship or originate these loans ourselves and be subject to these interest rate limitations.

Current report

In addition, some state legislatures have passed laws, or have proposed or are threatening to propose laws, that opt out of the DIDMCA to prevent out of state, state-chartered, FDIC-insured banks from exporting the interest rate of their state of registration to such state. For example, the State of Iowa opted out in the 1980s and, in 2023, the State of Colorado passed a law to opt out, but this is currently subject to a preliminary injunction that prevents enforcement.

Current report

In addition, some state legislatures have passed laws, or have proposed or are threatening to propose laws, to determine the “true lender” with respect to certain loans, including laws that implement a “totality of the circumstances” test or “predominant economic interest” test. There also have been private litigation and government enforcement actions seeking to re-characterize a lending transaction, claiming that another entity was the de facto lender, or true lender, instead of the named lender. These claims are generally based on state lending laws or state common law through which a private litigant or government agency could seek to license, regulate or prohibit the activities of the entity they consider the de facto lender. Any such litigation or enforcement action with respect to a loan facilitated through the Sezzle Platform against us or our originating bank partner could subject us or them to claims for damages, disgorgement, or other penalties.

Current report

Any of the foregoing changes in law or interpretation or enforcement of existing laws could impair our relationship with our originating bank partner and could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial operation.

Current report

The trading price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, volatile.

Current report

The trading price of our common stock has experienced substantial volatility and may continue to be volatile. The closing price of our common stock between February 27, 2024 and February 26, 2025 has ranged from a low of $43.85 and a high of $464.00. Various factors have impacted, and may continue to impact, the trading price of our common stock, including but not limited to, the following:

Current report

• trading volume or the size of our public float of our common stock;

Current report

• previous and future strategic actions and manipulations of the market for our securities by short sellers;

Current report

• failure by industry or securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, downgrade of our common stock by analysts or provision of a more favorable recommendation of our competitors;

Current report

• failure by analysts to regularly publish research reports or the publication of an unfavorable or inaccurate report about our business;

Current report

•changes by external analysts to their financial and operating estimates for our company or our performance relative to third parties' estimates or the expectations;

Current report

•forward-looking financial or operating information or financial projections we may provide to the public and any changes in that information or projections or our failure to meet projections;

Current report

•the public’s perception of the quality and accuracy of our key operating metrics;

Current report

•sales, or anticipated sales, of shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders, including our directors and officers;

Current report

•adverse resolution of new or pending litigation, claims, or investigations against us;

Current report

• announcements by us or our competitors of new products, features, services, technical innovations;

Current report

• rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry; and

Current report

• existing, new and evolving regulations in the United States.

Current report

We may initiate stock buyback programs in the foreseeable future and, if initiated, we cannot guarantee that such programs will enhance the long-term value of our share price.

Current report

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased approximately $20 million of our common stock in the open market and may repurchase more common stock in the foreseeable future. Stock repurchases could affect the price of our stock and increase volatility in the market. We cannot guarantee that these repurchases will continue or, if we do repurchase additional common stock, if such program will enhance the long-term value of our share price.

Current report

Future sales of common stock by our directors and officers could adversely affect the price of our common stock and could, in the future, result in a loss of control of our Company.

Showing the first 40 of 45 passages. Open the source sections for the rest.

Removed paragraphs (20)

Previous report

There are a number of risks associated with our international operations that could materially and adversely affect our business.

Previous report

We primarily operate in the United States and Canada, and are currently winding down and exiting operations in India, Brazil, and certain countries in Europe. The primary risks to our remaining international operations (including during the wind downs) will be affected by a number of factors, including:

Previous report

•currency controls, new currency adoptions and repatriation issues;

Previous report

•possible fraud or theft losses, and lack of compliance by international representatives in foreign legal jurisdictions where collection and legal enforcement may be difficult or costly;

Previous report

•reduced or no protection of our intellectual property rights;

Previous report

•unfavorable tax rules or trade barriers;

Previous report

•inability to secure, train or monitor international agents;

Previous report

•conformity of our platform with applicable business customs, including translation into foreign languages and associated expenses;

Previous report

•potential changes to our established business model;

Previous report

•the need to support and integrate with local vendors and service providers;

Previous report

•protection of our platform from cybersecurity threats and data privacy breaches;

Previous report

•competition with vendors and service providers that have greater experience in the local markets than we do or that have pre-existing relationships with potential consumers, merchants and investors in those markets; and

Previous report

•difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations in an environment of diverse culture, laws, and consumers and merchants, and the increased travel, infrastructure, and legal and compliance costs associated with international operations.

Previous report

Given the limited ongoing scope of our international operations, the impacts and risks to our business arising from the Russian military activities in Ukraine were not material in 2022 or 2023, and are not anticipated to be material in the future.

Previous report

In addition, international operations may continue to expose us to numerous regulatory risks. We are subject to regulations relating to our corporate conduct and the conduct of our business, including securities laws, consumer protection laws, trade regulations, advertising regulations, privacy and cybersecurity laws, wage and hour regulations, anti-money laundering (“AML”) laws and anti-corruption legislation. Certain jurisdictions have taken aggressive stances with respect to such matters and have implemented new initiatives and reforms, including more stringent regulations, disclosure and compliance requirements. Any violations of these regulations and requirements would likely have a material and adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Previous report

Changes in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on our business.

Previous report

Compliance with these laws and regulations is costly, time-consuming, and limits our operational flexibility. There is also a risk that if we fail to comply with these laws, regulations, and any related industry compliance standards, such failure may result in significantly increased compliance costs, cessation of certain business activities or the ability to conduct business, litigation, regulatory inquiries or investigations, and significant reputational damage.

Previous report

We cannot guarantee that our recently announced stock buyback program will be fully consummated or that such program will enhance the long-term value of our share price.

Previous report

On December 22, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $5 million of our common stock in the open market. The repurchase program commenced on January 17, 2024, and will terminate on December 31, 2024. The stock repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be extended, suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. The stock repurchase program could affect the price of our stock and increase volatility in the market. We cannot guarantee that this program will be fully consummated or that such program will enhance the long-term value of our share price.

Previous report

•our stockholders will only be able to take action at a meeting of stockholders and not by written consent;
Reworded paragraphs (58)

Previous wording

Regulators in various jurisdictions are showing increasing attention and scrutiny of BNPL arrangements, including in those jurisdictions in which we operate. We may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if laws, regulations, or industry standards, or their interpretations, change in the future. This increased risk may relate to state lending licensing or other state licensing or registration requirements, regulatory requirements concerning BNPL arrangements, consumer protection or consumer finance matters, or similar limitations on the conduct of our business. There is a risk that additional or changed legal, regulatory and industry compliance standards may make it economically unfeasible for us to continue to operate, or to expand in accordance with our current strategy. This would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, including by preventing our business from reaching sufficient scale.

Current wording

Regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate are showing increasing attention and scrutiny of BNPL arrangements. We may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if laws, regulations, or industry standards, or their interpretations and/or enforcement thereof, change in the future. This risk may relate to regulatory requirements concerning the lending and financing industry generally, BNPL arrangements, consumer protection or consumer finance matters, state lending licensing or other state licensing or registration requirements, data security and privacy, or similar limitations on the conduct of our business. There is a risk that additional or changed legal, regulatory and industry compliance standards may impose significant additional compliance costs, restrict our ability to expand in accordance with our current strategy, restrict some or all of our current business activities in certain jurisdictions, or even make it economically unfeasible for us to continue to operate our business as contemplated or at all. This would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, on our results of operations and financial condition, including by preventing our business from reaching sufficient scale.

Previous wording

We operate in a highly competitive and dynamic industry with a low barrier to entry, which makes increased competition more likely. Our technology platform faces competition from a variety of existing businesses and new market entrants, including competitors with BNPL products and those who enable transactions and commerce via digital payments.

Current wording

We operate in a highly competitive and dynamic industry with a low barrier to entry, which makes increased competition more likely. Our technology platform faces competition from a variety of existing businesses and new market entrants of consumer credit, including, but not limited to banks, non-bank lenders, retail-based lenders, other financial technology lending platforms, competitors with BNPL products and those who enable transactions and commerce via digital payments, such as mobile wallets, and legacy payment methods, such as debit and credit cards.

Previous wording

Despite any competitive advantage we may have, there is always a risk of new entrants in the market, which may disrupt our business and decrease our market share. We expect competition to intensify in the future, both as emerging technologies continue to enter the marketplace and as large financial institutions increasingly seek to innovate their offered services. Technological advances and the continued growth of e-commerce activities have increased consumers’ accessibility to products and services and led to the expansion of competition in digital payment options such as pay-over-time solutions. We face competition in areas such as: flexibility on payment options; duration, simplicity, and transparency of payment terms; reliability and speed in processing applications; underwriting effectiveness; compliance and security; promotional offerings; fees; approval rates; ease-of-use; marketing expertise; service levels; products and services; technological capabilities and integration; customer service; brand and reputation; and consumer and merchant satisfaction. In addition, it may be become more difficult to distinguish our platform, and products and services, from those of our competitors.

Current wording

Despite any competitive advantage we may have, there is always a risk of new entrants in the market, which may disrupt our business and decrease our market share. We expect competition to intensify in the future, both as emerging technologies continue to enter the marketplace and as large financial institutions increasingly seek to innovate their offered services. In addition, deregulation of our industry, including as a result of policies adopted by the new administration, may encourage additional market entrants. Technological advances and the continued growth of e-commerce activities have increased consumers’ accessibility to products and services and led to the expansion of competition in digital payment options such as pay-over-time solutions. We face competition in areas such as: flexibility on payment options; duration, simplicity, and transparency of payment terms; reliability and speed in processing applications; underwriting effectiveness; compliance and security; promotional offerings; fees; approval rates; ease-of-use; marketing expertise; service levels; products and services; technological capabilities and integration; customer service; brand and reputation; and consumer and merchant satisfaction. In addition, it may be become more difficult to distinguish our platform, and products and services, from those of our competitors.

Previous wording

Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, which gives those competitors advantages we do not have, such as a more diversified product, a broader consumer and merchant base, the ability to reach more consumers, the ability to cross-sell their products, operational efficiencies, the ability to cross-subsidize their offerings through their other business lines, more versatile technology platforms, the ability to acquire competitors, broad-based local distribution capabilities, and lower-cost funding. Our competitors may also have longer operating histories, more extensive and broader consumer and merchant relationships, and greater brand recognition and brand loyalty than we have. For example, more established companies that possess large, existing consumer and merchant bases, substantial financial resources, and established distribution channels could enter the market. Further, consumers’ increased usage of BNPL platforms in recent years may encourage more of such competitors that may be in a better position, due to financial and other resources, to attract merchants and customers to their platforms.

Current wording

Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, which gives those competitors advantages we do not have, such as a more diversified product, a broader consumer and merchant base, the ability to reach more consumers, the ability to cross-sell their products, operational efficiencies, the ability to cross-subsidize their offerings through their other business lines, more versatile technology platforms, the ability to acquire competitors, broad-based local distribution capabilities, and lower-cost funding. Our competitors may also have longer operating histories, more extensive and broader consumer and merchant relationships, and greater brand recognition and brand loyalty. For example, more established companies that possess large, existing consumer and merchant bases, substantial financial resources, and established distribution channels could enter the market. Further, consumers’ increased usage of BNPL platforms in recent years may encourage more of such competitors that may be in a better position, due to financial and other resources, to attract merchants and customers to their platforms.

Previous wording

Our business depends primarily on individual consumers transacting with our merchants through our Sezzle Platform, and the ability of those individual consumers to fully repay to us the resulting loans. These events can be affected by changes in general economic conditions. For example, the retail sector is affected by economic conditions such as unemployment, consumer confidence, actual or anticipated economic recessions, consumer debt, the availability of consumer credit, inflation and deflation, currency exchange rates, taxation, fuel and energy prices and interest rates, downturns or extended periods of uncertainty or volatility, all of which may influence consumer spending. In weaker economic environments, consumers may have less disposable income to spend and so may be less likely to purchase merchandise by utilizing our services. Alternatively, consumers may purchase merchandise but become unable or unwilling to repay loans, which would result in an increase of loans that will not be paid on time or at all.

Current wording

Our business depends primarily on individual consumers transacting with our merchants through our Sezzle Platform, and the ability of those individual consumers to fully repay to us the resulting loans. These events can be affected by changes in general economic and political conditions, particularly for those macroeconomic conditions that affect consumer spending and consumer credit. For example, consumer spending and consumer credit are affected by economic conditions such as unemployment, consumer confidence, actual or anticipated economic recessions, consumer debt, inflation and deflation, currency exchange rates, tariffs and international trade regulations, taxation, fuel and energy prices and interest rates, downturns or extended periods of uncertainty or volatility, all of which may influence consumer spending and the availability of consumer credit. In weaker economic environments, consumers may have less disposable income to spend and so may be less likely to purchase merchandise by utilizing our services. Alternatively, consumers may purchase merchandise but become unable or unwilling to repay loans, which would result in an increase of loans that will not be paid on time or at all. As a result, our earnings and cash flows could suffer.

Previous wording

Negative publicity about us or our industry could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Current wording

Negative publicity about us or our industry could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects and share price.

Previous wording

Negative publicity about us or our industry, including the transparency, fairness, user experience, quality, and reliability of our platform or point-of-sale lending platforms in general, the effectiveness of our risk model, the setting and charging of merchant and consumer fees, our ability to effectively manage and resolve complaints, our privacy and security practices, litigation, regulatory activity, misconduct by our employees, funding sources, originating bank partners, service providers, or others in our industry, the experience of consumers and investors with our platform or services or point-of-sale lending platforms in general, or use of loan proceeds by consumers that have obtained loans facilitated through our platform or other point-of-sale lending platforms for illegal purposes, even if inaccurate, could adversely affect our reputation and the confidence in, and the use of, our platform. Any such reputational harm could further affect the behavior of consumers, including their willingness to obtain loans facilitated through our platform or to make payments on their loans.

Current wording

Negative publicity about us or our industry could adversely affect our reputation and the confidence in, and the use of, our platform. Negative publicity may include the transparency, fairness, user experience, quality, and reliability of our platform or point-of-sale lending platforms in general, the effectiveness of our risk model, the setting and charging of merchant and consumer fees, our ability to effectively manage and resolve complaints, our privacy and security practices, litigation, regulatory activity, misconduct by our employees, funding sources, originating bank partner, service providers, or others in our industry, the experience of consumers and investors with our Sezzle Platform or services or point-of-sale lending platforms in general, or use of loan proceeds by consumers that have obtained loans facilitated through our platform or other point-of-sale lending platforms for illegal purposes, even if inaccurate. Any such reputational harm could further affect the behavior of consumers, including their willingness to obtain loans facilitated through our platform or to make payments on their loans.

Previous wording

We are an early-stage financial technology company with a limited operating history and a history of operating losses, and we may not achieve or be able to maintain profitability in the future.

Current wording

We have a limited operating history and, until recently, a history of operating losses, and we may not achieve or be able to maintain profitability in the future.

Previous wording

We are an early stage financial technology company with a limited operating history. Since launching the Sezzle Platform in August 2017, our activities have principally involved raising money to develop our software, products and services (including the Sezzle Platform), as well as adding merchants to the Sezzle Platform and expanding our service offerings to an increasing base of consumers. Similar to many early stage companies, we have accumulated substantial net losses. Our operating expenses may increase in the foreseeable future as we seek to continue to grow our business, attract new consumers, merchants, funding sources, and additional originating bank partners, and further enhance and develop our products and platform. As we expand our offerings to additional markets, our offerings in these markets may be less profitable than the markets in which we currently operate. These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing total income sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. We may not be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis, and could incur additional losses in the future.

Current wording

We have a limited operating history. Since launching the Sezzle Platform in August 2017, our activities have principally involved raising money to develop our software, products and services (including the Sezzle Platform), as well as adding merchants to the Sezzle Platform and expanding our service offerings to an increasing base of consumers. Similar to many early stage companies, we have accumulated substantial net losses until 2023 when we achieved profitability for the first time. Our operating expenses may increase in the foreseeable future as we seek to continue to grow our business, attract new consumers, merchants, funding sources, and additional originating bank partners, and further enhance and develop our products and platform. As we expand our offerings to additional markets, our offerings in these markets may be less profitable than the markets in which we currently operate. These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing total revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. We may not be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis, and could incur additional losses in the future.

Previous wording

If we fail to maintain our relationships with existing consumers and merchant partners, or if we do not attract a diverse mix of merchant partners or new consumers to our platform, then our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects likely would be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

If we fail to maintain our relationships with existing merchant partners, or if we do not attract a diverse mix of merchant partners to our platform, then our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects likely would be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We generate total income when consumers pay with Sezzle at checkout in e-commerce transactions with our merchants. If we are not able to continue to retain and grow our merchant network, our base of consumers or volume of transactions, which we measure as “UMS,” or underlying merchant sales, we will not be able to sustain our business. Our continued success is dependent on our ability to expand our merchant base and to grow our merchants’ revenue, or UMS, on our platform. We derive total income primarily from merchant fees earned from our merchant partners in the form of a merchant processing fee, which is generally charged as a percentage of the transaction volume on our platform. If we are not able to continue to retain and grow our consumer base, we will not be able to increase transaction volumes.

Current wording

We generate total revenue when consumers pay with Sezzle at checkout in e-commerce transactions with our merchants. If we are not able to continue to retain and grow our merchant network, our base of consumers or Gross Merchandise Volume (“GMV”), we will not be able to sustain our business. Our continued success is dependent on our ability to expand our merchant base and to grow our merchants’ revenue or GMV on our platform. We derive a portion of our total revenue from merchant processing fees earned from our merchant partners, which is generally charged as a percentage of the transaction volume on our platform. If we are not able to continue to retain and grow our consumer base, we will not be able to increase transaction volumes.

Previous wording

We will not be able to continue to attract new consumers or grow our business unless we are able to attract additional merchants and to expand revenue and UMS from existing merchants. The attractiveness of our platform to merchants depends upon, among other things: the size of our consumer base; our brand and reputation; the amount of merchant fees that we charge; the promotional marketing incentives we may offer; our ability to sustain our value proposition to merchants for consumer acquisition by demonstrating higher conversion at checkout and increased average order value (“AOV”); the attractiveness to merchants of our technology and data-driven platform; services and products offered by competitors; our availability and prominence as a payment method on e-commerce platforms; and our ability to perform under our merchant agreements.

Current wording

We will not be able to continue to attract new consumers or grow our business unless we are able to attract additional merchants and to expand revenue and GMV from existing merchants. The attractiveness of our platform to merchants depends upon, among other things: the size of our consumer base; our brand and reputation; the amount of merchant fees that we charge; the promotional marketing incentives we may offer; our ability to sustain our value proposition to merchants for consumer acquisition by demonstrating higher conversion at checkout and increased average order value (“AOV”); the attractiveness to merchants of our technology and data-driven platform; services and products offered by competitors; our availability and prominence as a payment method on e-commerce platforms; and our ability to perform under our merchant agreements.

Previous wording

We believe that growth of our business is dependent on our ability to continue to cost-effectively grow our UMS by retaining our existing merchants and attracting new merchants. In particular, our partnerships with larger merchants and merchants with a high degree of brand recognition are a key component of our strategy to provide a wide and attractive selection for consumers. If we fail to retain our existing merchants, especially our most popular and larger merchants, or acquire new larger merchants, the value of our platform would be negatively impacted.

Current wording

We believe that growth of our business depends, in part, on our ability to continue to cost-effectively grow our GMV by retaining our existing merchants and attracting new merchants. In particular, our partnerships with larger merchants and merchants with a high degree of brand recognition are a key component of our strategy to provide a wide and attractive selection for consumers. If we fail to retain our existing merchants, especially our most popular and larger merchants, or acquire new enterprise merchants, the value of our platform would be negatively impacted.

Previous wording

We may not be able to sustain our total income growth rate, or our growth rate of related key operating metrics, in the future, and failure to effectively manage growth may adversely affect our financial results.

Current wording

We may not be able to sustain our total revenue growth rate, or our growth rate of related key operating metrics, in the future, and failure to effectively manage growth may adversely affect our financial results.

Previous wording

Although we have historically experienced periods of strong growth in total income, UMS, employee numbers and consumers, there can be no assurances that such growth will continue at our current rate or at all. Many factors may contribute to a decline in our total income growth rate, including increased competition, slowing demand for our products from existing and new consumers, changes in transaction volumes and mix (particularly with our significant merchant partners), lower sales by our merchants (particularly those with whom we have significant relationships), general economic conditions, a failure by us to continue capitalizing on growth opportunities, changes in the regulatory environment and the maturation of our business, among others. You should not rely on our total income or key operating metrics for any prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future performance. If our total income growth rate declines, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

Although we have historically experienced periods of strong growth in revenue, total income, GMV, employee numbers and consumers, there can be no assurances that such growth will continue at our current rate or at all. Many factors may contribute to a decline in our total revenue growth rate, including increased competition, slowing demand for our products from existing and new consumers, changes in transaction volumes and mix (particularly with our significant merchant partners), lower sales by our merchants (particularly those with whom we have significant relationships), general economic conditions, a failure by us to continue capitalizing on growth opportunities, changes in the regulatory environment and the maturation of our business, among others. You should not rely on our total revenue or key operating metrics for any prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future performance. If our total revenue growth rate declines, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We believe that developing, protecting, and maintaining awareness of our brand in a cost-effective manner is critical to attracting new and retaining existing merchants and consumers to our platform. As competition intensifies, we believe that positive consumer recognition is an important factor in our financial performance. We cannot guarantee that our brand development strategies will accelerate the recognition of our brand or increase total income. Successful promotion of our brand will depend largely on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and incentives and the experience of merchants and consumers with the Sezzle Platform. Our brand promotion activities may not result in increased total income and, even if they do, any increases may not offset the expenses incurred in such promotional activities. Additionally, the successful protection and maintenance of our brand will depend on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce trademark and other intellectual property protection for our brand. If we fail to successfully promote, protect, and maintain our brand or if we incur substantial expenses in an unsuccessful attempt to promote, protect, and maintain our brand, we may lose our existing merchants and consumers to our competitors or be unable to attract new merchants and consumers. Any such loss of existing merchants or consumers, or inability to attract new merchants or consumers, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We believe that developing, protecting, and maintaining awareness of our brand in a cost-effective manner is critical to attracting new and retaining existing merchants and consumers to our platform. As competition intensifies, we believe that positive consumer recognition is an important factor in our financial performance. We cannot guarantee that our brand development strategies will accelerate the recognition of our brand or increase total revenue. Successful promotion of our brand will depend largely on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and incentives and the experience of merchants and consumers with the Sezzle Platform. Our brand promotion activities may not result in increased total revenue and, even if they do, any increases may not offset the expenses incurred in such promotional activities. Additionally, the successful protection and maintenance of our brand will depend on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce trademark and other intellectual property protection for our brand. If we fail to successfully promote, protect, and maintain our brand or if we incur substantial expenses in an unsuccessful attempt to promote, protect, and maintain our brand, we may lose our existing merchants and consumers to our competitors or be unable to attract new merchants and consumers. Any such loss of existing merchants or consumers, or inability to attract new merchants or consumers, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business model involves paying merchants for goods upon a consumer’s purchase (less merchant processing fees) before we have received the full payment of the goods from a consumer utilizing the Sezzle Platform. As a result, we require significant cash to support the provision of installments plans to consumers and working capital. Historically, we have relied upon the availability of credit from our lenders to support our business model as we have experienced growth, and believe that we will have a continuing need to do so for the foreseeable future. Our current lending facility matures on October 14, 2024. There can be no assurance that such financing will be extended on favorable terms or at all, or will be sufficient to finance our future capital needs.

Current wording

Our business model involves paying merchants for goods upon a consumer’s purchase (less merchant processing fees) before we have received the full payment of the goods from a consumer utilizing the Sezzle Platform. As a result, we require significant cash to support the provision of installments plans to consumers and working capital. Historically, we have relied upon the availability of credit from our lenders to support our business model as we have experienced growth, and believe that we will have a continuing need to do so for the foreseeable future. Our current lending facility matures on April 19, 2027. There can be no assurance that such financing will be extended on favorable terms or at all, or will be sufficient to finance our future capital needs. In addition, on November 13, 2024, we filed a shelf registration on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-283206), which, subject to applicable SEC rules, can be utilized to issue equity or debt securities.

Previous wording

Our existing $100,000,000 revolving credit facility is secured by our consumer notes receivable we choose to pledge and is subject to certain operating covenants. Thus, a significant portion of our funding capacity is in part dependent on our accounts receivable, which can be volatile and, at times, at levels low enough to result in our inability to draw down on a portion of our credit facility. Any material decrease in our accounts receivable could negatively impact our liquidity, which would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, it is possible that our transaction volume will outpace our ability to finance transactions if we do not have sufficient borrowing capacity under our credit facility, which in turn could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our existing $150 million revolving credit facility is secured by our consumer notes receivable we choose to pledge and is subject to certain operating covenants. Thus, a significant portion of our funding capacity is in part dependent on our accounts receivable, which can be volatile and, at times, at levels low enough to result in our inability to draw down on a portion of our credit facility. Any material decrease in our accounts receivable could negatively impact our liquidity, which would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, it is possible that our transaction volume will outpace our ability to finance transactions if we do not have sufficient borrowing capacity under our credit facility, which in turn could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Consumers may not view the BNPL product loans facilitated through our platform as having the same significance as a loan or other credit obligation arising under more traditional circumstances. If a consumer neglects his or her payment obligations on a BNPL product loan facilitated through our platform or chooses not to repay his or her loan entirely, it will have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, and cash flows.

Current wording

Consumers may not view the loans facilitated through our platform as having the same significance as a loan or other credit obligation arising under more traditional circumstances. If a consumer neglects his or her payment obligations on a loan facilitated through our platform or chooses not to repay his or her loan entirely, it will have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Personal loans facilitated through our platform are not secured by any collateral, not guaranteed or insured by any third party, and not backed by any governmental authority in any way. Therefore, we are limited in our ability to collect on these loans if a consumer is unwilling or unable to repay them. A consumer’s ability to repay their loans can be negatively impacted by increases in their payment obligations to other lenders under mortgage, credit card, and other debt obligations resulting from increases in base lending rates or structured increases in payment obligations. If a consumer defaults on a loan, we may expend additional time and expense yet be unsuccessful in our efforts to collect the amount of the loan. We may also be required to pay credit card processing costs for loan transactions in which we fail to collect from our consumers. Our originating bank partners could decide to originate fewer BNPL product loans through our platform. An increase in defaults precipitated by these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Current wording

Personal loans facilitated through our platform are not secured by any collateral, not guaranteed or insured by any third party, and not backed by any governmental authority in any way. Therefore, we are limited in our ability to collect on these loans if a consumer is unwilling or unable to repay them. A consumer’s ability to repay their loans can be negatively impacted by increases in their payment obligations to other lenders under mortgage, credit card, and other debt obligations resulting from increases in base lending rates or structured increases in payment obligations. These competing debt obligations may also be secured by the debtor’s property, which may result in a consumer prioritizing payment of the secured debt obligations over those owed to us. If a consumer defaults on a loan, we may expend additional time and expense yet be unsuccessful in our efforts to collect the amount of the loan. We may also be required to pay credit card processing costs for loan transactions in which we fail to collect from our consumers. Our originating bank partner could decide to originate fewer loans through our platform. An increase in defaults precipitated by these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Previous wording

We rely on the accuracy of third-party data, and inaccuracies in such data will lead to reduced total income.

Current wording

We rely on the accuracy of third-party data, and inaccuracies in such data may lead to reduced total revenue.

Previous wording

We purchase data from third parties that is critical to our assessment of the creditworthiness of consumers before they are either approved or denied funding for their purchase from a merchant. We are reliant on these third parties to ensure that the data they provide is accurate. Inaccurate data could cause us to not approve transactions that otherwise would have been approved, reducing our potential to earn income. Alternatively, we may approve transactions that otherwise would have been denied, causing us to either lose total income, or earn total income that may lead to a higher incidence of bad debts. Our inability to collect on certain amounts from consumers due to poor creditworthiness or otherwise would likely have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We purchase data from third parties that is critical to our assessment of the creditworthiness of consumers before they are either approved or denied for credit for their purchase from a merchant. We rely third parties to provide is accurate data. Inaccurate data could cause us to not approve transactions that otherwise would have been approved, reducing our transaction volume and potential to earn revenue. Alternatively, we may approve transactions that should have been denied, causing us to experience higher delinquency rates and either lose total revenue, or earn total revenue that may lead to a higher incidence of bad debts. Our inability to collect on certain amounts from consumers due to poor creditworthiness or otherwise would likely have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our ability to generate profits depends on our ability to put in place and optimize our systems and processes to make predominantly accurate, real-time decisions in connection with the consumer transaction approval process. We do not ordinarily perform credit checks on consumers in connection with the application process, unless consumers join our “Sezzle Up” platform wherein consumers opt-in to send their Sezzle Platform transaction records to credit agencies. Consumer non-payment is a major component of our expenses, and we are exposed to consumer bad debts as a normal part of our operations because we absorb the costs of all uncollectible notes receivable from our consumers. Our ability to collect on loans is dependent on the consumer’s continuing financial stability, and consequently, collections can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including job loss, divorce, death, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Excessive exposure to bad debts as a result of consumers failing to repay outstanding amounts owed to us may materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

Our ability to generate profits depends on our ability to put in place and optimize our systems and processes to make predominantly accurate, real-time decisions in connection with the consumer transaction approval process. We do not ordinarily perform credit checks on consumers in connection with the application process, unless consumers join our “Sezzle Up” program and opt-in to send their Sezzle Platform transaction records to credit agencies. Consumer non-payment is a major component of our expenses, and we are exposed to consumer bad debts as a normal part of our operations because we absorb the costs of all uncollectible notes receivable from our consumers. Our ability to collect on loans is dependent on the consumer’s continuing financial stability, and consequently, collections can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including job loss, divorce, death, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Excessive exposure to bad debts as a result of consumers failing to repay outstanding amounts owed to us may materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial position.

Previous wording

Although our merchants are obligated to fulfill their contractual commitments to consumers and to comply with applicable law, from time to time they might not do so, or a consumer might allege that they did not do so. This, in turn, can result in claims or defenses against us or any subsequent holder of our installment agreements. One such claim or defense could be made pursuant to a term included in our installment agreement, which we refer to as our “user agreement”, that is pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission’s Holder in Due Course Rule. The rule provides that the holder of the consumer credit contract, in our case the user agreement, is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services that were obtained with the proceeds of the consumer credit contract. If merchants fail to fulfill their contractual or legal obligations to consumers, it may also negatively affect our reputation with consumers, and negatively affect our business. Federal and state regulatory authorities may also bring claims against us, including unfair and deceptive acts or practices (“UDAP”) or unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices (“UDAAP”) claims, if we fail to provide consumer protections relating to potential merchants actions or disputes.

Current wording

Although our merchants are obligated to fulfill their contractual commitments to consumers and to comply with applicable law, from time to time they might not do so, or a consumer might allege that they did not do so. This, in turn, can result in claims or defenses against us or any subsequent holder of our installment agreements. One such claim or defense could be made pursuant to a term included in our or our originating bank partner’s installment loan agreement, that is pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission’s Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Preservation of Consumers’ Claims and Defenses (the “Holder in Due Course Rule”). The Holder in Due Course Rule provides that the holder of the consumer credit contract, in our or our originating bank partner’s case the installment loan agreement, is subject to all claims and defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods or services that were obtained with the proceeds of the consumer credit contract. If merchants fail to fulfill their contractual or legal obligations to consumers, it may also negatively affect our reputation with consumers, and negatively affect our business. Federal and state regulatory authorities may also bring claims against us, including unfair and deceptive acts or practices (“UDAP”) or unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices (“UDAAP”) claims, if we fail to provide consumer protections relating to potential merchants actions or disputes.

Previous wording

Internet-based loan origination processes may give rise to greater risks than paper-based processes.

Current wording

Our internet-based loan origination processes may give rise to greater risks than paper-based processes.

Previous wording

Through the ordinary course of business, we collect, store, process, transfer, and use (collectively, “process”) a wide range of confidential information, including personally identifiable information, for various purposes, including to follow government regulations and to provide services to our consumers and merchants. The information we collect may be sensitive in nature and subject to a variety of privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and other laws and regulations. Due to the sensitivity and nature of the information we process, we and our third-party service providers may be the targets of, defend against and must regularly respond to cyberattacks, including from malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, or similar attacks or disruptions. Cyberattacks and similar disruptions may compromise or breach the Sezzle Platform and the protections we use to try to protect confidential information in our possession or control. Breaches of the Sezzle Platform or other Sezzle systems could result in the criminal or unauthorized use of confidential information and could disrupt our platform, result in the failure of our systems to operate as expected, negatively affect our users and merchants and, because the techniques for conducting cyberattacks are constantly evolving and may be supported by significant financial and technological resources (e.g., state-sponsored actors), we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventative or remedial measures. These risks also reside with third party service providers and partners with whom we conduct business. Our business could be materially and adversely impacted by security breaches of our systems and the data and information of merchants’ and consumers’ data and information.

Current wording

Through the ordinary course of business, we collect, store, process, manage, transfer, and use (collectively, “process”) a wide range of confidential information, including personally identifiable information, for various purposes, including to follow government regulations and to provide services to our consumers and merchants. The information we collect may be sensitive in nature and subject to a variety of privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and other laws and regulations. Due to the sensitivity and nature of the information we process, we and our third-party service providers may be the targets of, defend against and must regularly respond to cyberattacks, including from malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, or similar attacks or disruptions. Cyberattacks and similar disruptions may compromise or breach the Sezzle Platform and the protections we use to try to protect confidential information in our possession or control. Breaches of the Sezzle Platform or other Sezzle systems could result in the criminal or unauthorized use of confidential information and could disrupt our platform, result in the failure of our systems to operate as expected, negatively affect our users and merchants and, because the techniques for conducting cyberattacks are constantly evolving and may be supported by significant financial and technological resources (e.g., state-sponsored actors), we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventative or remedial measures. These risks also reside with third party service providers and partners with whom we conduct business. Our business could be materially and adversely impacted by security breaches of our systems and the data and information of merchants’ and consumers’ data and information.

Previous wording

Our platform and our internal systems rely on software that is highly technical and complex. In addition, our platform and our internal systems depend on the ability of such software to store, retrieve, process, and manage immense amounts of data. As a result, undetected vulnerabilities, errors, failures, bugs, or defects may be present in such software or occur in the future in such software, including open source software and other software we license in from third parties, especially when updates or new products or services are released.

Current wording

Our platform and our internal systems rely on software that is highly technical and complex. In addition, our platform and our internal systems depend on the ability of such software to process immense amounts of data. As a result, undetected vulnerabilities, errors, failures, bugs, or defects may be present in such software or occur in the future in such software, including open source software and other software we license in from third parties, especially when updates or new products or services are released.

Previous wording

We use vendors, such as our cloud computing web services provider, virtual card processing companies, and third-party software providers, in the operation of our platform. The satisfactory performance, reliability, and availability of our technology and our underlying network and infrastructure are critical to our operations and reputation and the ability of our platform to attract new and retain existing merchants and consumers. We rely on these vendors to protect their systems and facilities against damage or service interruptions from natural disasters, power or telecommunications failures, environmental conditions, computer viruses or attempts to harm these systems, criminal acts, and similar events. If our arrangement with a vendor is terminated or if there is a lapse of service or damage to its systems or facilities, we could experience interruptions in our ability to operate our platform. We also may experience increased costs and difficulties in replacing that vendor and replacement services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. Any interruptions or delays in our platform availability, whether as a result of a failure to perform on the part of a vendor, any damage to one of our vendor’s systems or facilities, the termination of any of our third-party vendor agreement, software failures, our or our vendor’s error, natural disasters, terrorism, other man-made problems, security breaches, whether accidental or willful, or other factors, could harm our relationships with our merchants and consumers and also harm our reputation.

Current wording

We use vendors, such as our cloud computing web services provider, virtual card processing companies, and third-party software providers, in the operation of our platform. The satisfactory performance, reliability, and availability of our technology and our underlying network and infrastructure are critical to our operations and reputation and the ability of our platform to attract new and retain existing merchants and consumers. We rely on these vendors to protect their systems and facilities against damage or service interruptions from natural disasters, power or telecommunications failures, environmental conditions, computer viruses or attempts to harm these systems, criminal acts, and similar events. If our arrangement with a vendor is terminated or if there is a lapse of service or damage to its systems or facilities, we could experience interruptions in the operation of our platform. We also may experience increased costs and difficulties in replacing that vendor and replacement services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. Any interruptions or delays in our platform availability, whether as a result of a failure to perform on the part of a vendor, any damage to one of our vendor’s systems or facilities, the termination of any of our third-party vendor agreement, software failures, our or our vendor’s error, natural disasters, terrorism, other man-made problems, security breaches, whether accidental or willful, or other factors, could harm our relationships with our merchants and consumers and also harm our reputation.

Previous wording

To the extent we use or are dependent on any particular third-party data, technology, or software, we may also be harmed if such data, technology, or software becomes non-compliant with existing laws, regulations, or industry standards, becomes subject to third-party claims of intellectual property infringement misappropriation, or other violation, or malfunctions or functions in a way we did not anticipate. Any loss of the right to use any of this data, technology, or software could result in delays in the provisioning of our products and services until equivalent or replacement data, technology, or software is either developed by us, or, if available, is identified, obtained, and integrated, and there is no guarantee that we would be successful in developing, identifying, obtaining, or integrating equivalent or similar data, technology, or software, which could result in the loss or limiting of our products, services, or features available in our products or services.

Current wording

To the extent we use or depend on any particular third-party data, technology, or software, we may also be harmed if such data, technology, or software becomes non-compliant with existing laws, regulations, or industry standards, becomes subject to third-party claims of intellectual property infringement misappropriation, or other violation, or malfunctions or functions in a way we did not anticipate. Any loss of the right to use any of this data, technology, or software could result in delays in the provisioning of our products and services until equivalent or replacement data, technology, or software is either developed by us, or, if available, is identified, obtained, and integrated, and there is no guarantee that we would be successful in developing, identifying, obtaining, or integrating equivalent or similar data, technology, or software, which could result in the loss or limiting of our products, services, or features available in our products or services.

Previous wording

These factors could prevent us from processing transactions or posting payments on our platform, damage our brand and reputation, divert the attention of our employees, reduce total income, subject us to liability, and cause consumers or merchants to abandon our platform, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Current wording

These factors could prevent us from processing transactions or posting payments on our platform, damage our brand and reputation, divert the attention of our employees, reduce total revenue, subject us to liability, and cause consumers or merchants to abandon our platform, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Previous wording

We partially rely on card issuers or payment processors, and must pay a fee for this service. From time to time, payment processors such as Visa may increase the interchange fees that they charge for each transaction using one of their cards. The payment processors routinely update and modify their requirements. Changes in the requirements, including changes to risk management and collateral requirements, may impact our ongoing cost of doing business and we may not, in every circumstance, be able to pass through such costs to our merchants or associated participants. Furthermore, if we do not comply with the payment processors’ requirements (e.g., their rules, bylaws, and charter documentation), the payment processors could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations that allow us to process transactions on their networks. Some payment processors may also choose not to support BNPL solutions; therefore, the credit cards they issue cannot be linked to pay for purchases made through BNPL entities, including Sezzle. The termination of our registration due to failure to comply with the applicable requirements of Visa or other payment processors, or any changes in the payment processors’ rules that would impair our registration, could require us to stop providing payment services to Visa or other payment processors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects. We are also subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI DSS”) with respect to the acceptance of payment cards. PCI DSS sets forth security standards relating to the processing of cardholder data and the systems that process such data, and a failure to adhere to these standards can result in fines, limitations on our ability to process payment cards, and impact to our relationship with our merchant partners and their own ability to comply with PCI DSS.

Current wording

We partially rely on card issuers or payment processors, and must pay a fee for this service. From time to time, payment processors such as Visa may increase the interchange fees that they charge for each transaction using one of their cards. The payment processors routinely update and modify their requirements. Changes in the requirements, including changes to risk management and collateral requirements, may impact our ongoing cost of doing business and we may not, in every circumstance, be able to pass through such costs to our merchants or associated participants. Furthermore, if we do not comply with the payment processors’ requirements (e.g., their rules, bylaws, and charter documentation), the payment processors could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations that allow us to process transactions on their networks. Some payment processors may also choose not to support BNPL solutions; including our products, in which case, the credit cards these processors issue cannot be linked to pay for purchases made through BNPL entities, including Sezzle. The termination of our registration due to failure to comply with the applicable requirements of Visa or other payment processors, or any changes in the payment processors’ rules that would impair our registration, could require us to stop providing payment services to Visa or other payment processors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects. We are also subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

Previous wording

The interest paid on borrowings under our credit facility is tied to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The facility carries an interest rate of Adjusted SOFR (defined as SOFR plus 0.262%) plus 11.5%. Increased SOFR rates will increase the amount of interest we are required to pay under our credit facility, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We have incurred, and may in the future incur, additional indebtedness that bears interest at a variable rate. The interest paid on borrowings under our credit facility is tied to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The facility carries an interest rate of SOFR plus 6.75%. An increase in interest rates would increase our interest expense and increase the cost of refinancing existing debt and issuing new debt, which would adversely affect our cash flow. In addition, if we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could have to liquidate one or more of our assets at times that may not permit realization of the maximum return on such assets. The effect of prolonged interest rate increases could adversely impact our ability to continue to execute on our strategy. As a result, any increase in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Under U.S. federal income tax principles set forth in Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in ownership of the relevant corporation by “5% shareholders” (as defined under U.S. income tax laws), which includes Charles Youakim (our Chief Executive Officer), Paul Paradis (our President), and Paul Purcell (a non-executive director of the Company), that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules apply under state tax laws. Our ability to utilize a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject to certain limitations under Section 382 of the Code. Such limitations on the ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Under U.S. federal income tax principles set forth in Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in ownership of the relevant corporation by “5% shareholders” that (as defined under U.S. tax laws) exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules apply under state tax laws. Our ability to utilize a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject to certain limitations under Section 382 of the Code. Such limitations on the ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

We maintain insurance we consider appropriate for our business needs. However, we may not be insured against all risks, either because appropriate coverage is not available or because we consider the applicable premiums and deductibles to be excessive in relation to the perceived benefits that would accrue. Accordingly, we may not be fully insured or insured at all against losses and liabilities that could unintentionally arise from our operations. The incurrence of uninsured or partially insured losses or liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We maintain insurance we consider appropriate for our business needs. However, we may not be insured against all risks, either because appropriate coverage is not available or because we consider the applicable premium and deductibles to be excessive in relation to the perceived benefits that would accrue. Accordingly, we may not be fully insured or insured at all against losses and liabilities that could unintentionally arise from our operations. The incurrence of uninsured or partially insured losses or liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

The BNPL industry is subject to various state and federal laws in the United States and federal, provincial and territorial laws in Canada, and the costs to maintain compliance with such laws and regulations may be significant.

Current wording

The BNPL industry is subject to various and complex state and federal laws in the United States and federal, provincial and territorial laws in Canada, and the costs to maintain compliance with such laws and regulations may be significant.

Previous wording

We are subject to a range of state and federal laws and regulations concerning consumer finance that change periodically. These laws and regulations include but are not limited to state lending licensing or other state licensing or registration laws, consumer credit disclosure laws such as the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) and other laws concerning credit reports and credit reporting, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) which addresses anti-discrimination, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (“EFTA”) which governs electronic money movement, a variety of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing rules, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) and other laws concerning initiating phone calls or text messages, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, debt collection laws, laws governing short-term consumer loans and general consumer protection laws, such as laws that prohibit unfair, deceptive, misleading or abusive acts or practices. There is also the potential that we may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if our business operations, strategy or geographic reach expand in the future. These laws and regulations may also change in the future, and they may be applied to us and the Sezzle Platform in a manner that we do not currently anticipate. While we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to our business, no assurance is given that our compliance policies and procedures will be effective. We may not always have been, and may not always be, in compliance with these laws and regulations and such non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We are subject to a range of state and federal laws and regulations concerning consumer finance that can be highly technical, subject to varying interpretations, and potentially conflict or overlap as they change over time. These laws and regulations include but are not limited to state lending licensing or other state licensing or registration laws, consumer credit disclosure laws such as Title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) and other laws concerning credit reports and credit reporting, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) which addresses anti-discrimination, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (“EFTA”) and the rules and guidelines of National Automated Clearing House Association (“NACHA”) which governs the ACH network and electronic money movement, a variety of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing rules, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (“CAN-SPAM Act”) and other laws concerning initiating phone calls or text messages and electronic mail, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, debt collection laws, laws governing short-term consumer loans and general consumer protection laws, such as laws that prohibit unfair, deceptive, misleading or abusive acts or practices. There is also the potential that we may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if our business operations, strategy or geographic reach expand in the future. These laws and regulations may also change in the future, and they may be applied to us and the Sezzle Platform in a manner that we do not currently anticipate. While we have developed policies and procedures designed to assist in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to our business, no assurance is given that our compliance policies and procedures will be effective. We may not always have been, and may not always be, in compliance with these laws and regulations and such non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

In Canada, we are subject to a range of federal and provincial laws and regulations including, but not limited to, provincial and territorial consumer finance legislation (including prohibition on late fees, limits on default charges, debt collection laws and requirements), consumer lender licensing or registration laws, consumer contract and credit disclosure laws, credit advertising requirements, e-commerce laws and unfair practices regulation, Canadian sanctions laws, federal and provincial-level private sector privacy laws, federal Canadian anti-spam legislation, federal and provincial human rights legislation, Quebec Charter of French language laws and requirements, and regulation under Payments Canada Rule H1- Pre-Authorized Debit Rules in respect of the acceptance of payments from Canadian bank accounts. There is also the potential that we may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if our business operations, strategy or geographic reach expand in the future.

Current wording

In Canada, we are subject to a range of federal and provincial laws and regulations including, but not limited to, provincial and territorial consumer finance legislation (including prohibition on late fees, limits on default charges, debt collection laws and requirements), consumer lender licensing or registration laws, consumer contract and credit disclosure laws, credit advertising requirements, e-commerce laws and unfair practices regulation, Canadian sanctions laws, federal and provincial-level private sector privacy laws, federal Canadian anti-spam legislation, federal and provincial human rights legislation, Quebec Charter of French language laws and requirements, and regulation under Payments Canada Rule H1- Pre-Authorized Debit Rules in respect of the acceptance of payments from Canadian bank accounts. We are also subject to FINTRAC guidance and rules in part, and have registered our business under the Retail Payments Activities Act. There is also the potential that we may become subject to additional legal or regulatory requirements if our business operations, strategy or geographic reach expand in the future.

Previous wording

In Canada, we are currently licensed as a lender where required. In connection with our business activities, we are also generally subject to consumer protection legislation and other laws and, on that basis, our business is also generally subject to regulatory oversight and supervision from federal and/or provincial regulators in respect of those activities, regardless of whether we have a license. These regulators and enforcement agencies generally act on a complaints-basis and may receive consumer complaints about us. Investigations or enforcement actions may be costly and time consuming. Enforcement actions by such regulators and enforcement agencies could lead to fines, penalties, consumer restitution, the cessation of our business activities in whole or in part, or the assertion of private claims and lawsuits against us.

Current wording

In Canada, we are currently licensed as a lender where we believe required. In connection with our business activities, we are also generally subject to consumer protection legislation and other laws and, on that basis, our business is also generally subject to regulatory oversight and supervision from federal and/or provincial regulators in respect of those activities, regardless of whether we have a license. These regulators and enforcement agencies generally act on a complaints-basis and may receive consumer complaints about us. Investigations or enforcement actions may be costly and time consuming. Enforcement actions by such regulators and enforcement agencies could lead to fines, penalties, consumer restitution, the cessation of our business activities in whole or in part, or the assertion of private claims and lawsuits against us.

Previous wording

If loans made by us under our state lending licenses are found to violate applicable state lending and other laws, or if we were found to be operating without having obtained necessary licenses or approvals, it could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Current wording

If loans made by us under our state lending licenses are found to violate applicable state lending or other laws, or if we were found to be operating without having obtained necessary licenses or approvals, it could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Previous wording

Certain states have adopted laws regulating and requiring licensing, registration, notice filing, or other approval by parties that engage in certain activity regarding consumer finance transactions. Furthermore, certain states and localities have also adopted laws requiring licensing, registration, notice filing, or other approval for consumer debt collection or servicing, and/or purchasing or selling consumer loans. We have obtained lending licenses or made applicable notice filings in certain states, and may in the future pursue obtaining additional licenses or making additional notice filings. The loans we may originate on our platform pursuant to these state licenses are subject to state licensing and interest rate restrictions, as well as numerous state requirements regarding consumer protection, interest rate, disclosure, prohibitions on certain activities, and loan term lengths. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining state licenses in other states or that we have not yet been required to apply for.

Current wording

Certain states have adopted laws regulating and requiring licensing, registration, notice filing, or other approval by parties that engage in certain activity regarding consumer finance transactions. Furthermore, certain states and localities have also adopted laws requiring licensing, registration, notice filing, or other approval for consumer debt collection or servicing, and/or purchasing or selling consumer loans. We have obtained lending licenses or made applicable notice filings in certain states, and may in the future pursue obtaining additional licenses or making additional notice filings. The loans we may originate or service on the Sezzle Platform pursuant to these state licenses are subject to state licensing and interest rate restrictions, as well as numerous state requirements regarding consumer protection, interest rate, disclosure, prohibitions on certain activities, and loan term lengths. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining state licenses in other states or that we have not yet been required to apply for.

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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

If we fail to retain existing consumers or acquire new consumers in a cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

(“PCI DSS”) with respect to the acceptance of payment cards. PCI DSS sets forth security standards relating to the processing of cardholder data and the systems that process such data, and a failure to adhere to these standards can result in fines, limitations on our ability to process payment cards, and impact to our relationship with our merchant partners and their own ability to comply with PCI DSS.