Skyro is a fintech lending business. The company specializes in lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in higher-risk segments of the market. Skyro is evaluating South Africa as a potential expansion market and seeks an experienced local advisor to assess the feasibility of launching a high-risk MSME lending product.

The advisor will provide an independent assessment of the viability of introducing Skyro's lending model into South Africa. The engagement is strategic and exploratory in nature, focused on helping executive leadership determine:

1. Whether sufficient market demand exists.
2. Whether the regulatory environment permits the proposed lending model.
3. Whether South Africa offers an attractive commercial opportunity relative to other target markets.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Assessment

• Evaluate South Africa's lending and credit regulatory framework.
• Assess the applicability of relevant legislation, licensing requirements, consumer protection provisions, and interest rate limitations.
• Identify regulatory risks, grey areas, and compliance considerations associated with higher-interest MSME lending.
• Provide practical guidance on market entry requirements and potential regulatory barriers.

Market Opportunity Analysis

• Assess demand for short-term MSME lending among businesses generating approximately USD 2,000 to USD 20,000 in monthly revenue.
• Evaluate the competitive landscape and identify existing lenders serving similar segments.
• Determine whether the market is saturated, underserved, or presents niche opportunities.
• Identify key customer segments most likely to benefit from Skyro's model.

Commercial Feasibility Review

• Assess the attractiveness of the South African MSME lending market from a risk-return perspective.
• Review common underwriting approaches used by local lenders.
• Evaluate expected portfolio performance considerations, including default rates and pricing practices.
• Highlight critical success factors and market entry risks.

Strategic Advisory

• Provide executive-level recommendations regarding:
• Market entry potential
• Product positioning
• Regulatory approach
• Key partnerships or stakeholder engagement requirements
• Go / No-Go considerations

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to provide:

1. Initial Market Assessment

A concise summary covering:

• Market attractiveness
• Competitive landscape
• Key risks
• Preliminary recommendation

2. Regulatory Feasibility Review

A practical assessment of:

• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Interest rate and fee considerations
• Licensing implications
• Compliance risks

3. Final Advisory Report

A management-level report including:

• Key findings
• Strategic recommendations
• Market entry considerations
• Decision framework for further investment

4. Advisory Sessions

Participation in scheduled discussions with Skyro leadership to:

• Present findings
• Answer questions
• Refine assumptions
• Support executive decision making

Required Experience

The ideal consultant will possess:

Essential

• 10+ years' experience within South Africa's lending, banking, fintech, or credit industries.
• Deep understanding of MSME lending products and credit risk management.
• Strong knowledge of South African lending regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience assessing or launching lending products within regulated financial environments.
• Executive-level advisory and stakeholder engagement experience.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in alternative lending, fintech lending, merchant cash advances, or unsecured business lending.
• Direct exposure to high-risk lending portfolios.
• Experience with emerging-market financial services.
• Previous work with banks, fintechs, regulators, development finance institutions, or credit providers.
• Knowledge of market-entry strategy within financial services.

Preferred Background

Candidates may come from:

• Fintech lenders
• Commercial banks
• Credit providers
• Financial services consultancies
• Regulatory bodies
• Credit risk and analytics firms
• SME finance specialists

Engagement Model

• Hourly consulting arrangement over 3 - 6 weeks
• Time-and-materials basis.
• Flexible and fractional engagement designed for senior subject matter experts.