VIVA Finance and DRB Announce Partnership to Accelerate Financial Access Nationwide
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Collaboration leverages VIVA’s innovative underwriting and payments technology to help millions of working Americans access fair, transparent credit.
ATLANTA, GA – April 28, 2026 – VIVA Finance, one of the nation’s fastest-growing fintech companies transforming access to fair credit for working Americans, announces today a partnership with DRB, a sponsor bank focused on innovation. Through this partnership, DRB – the trade name of DR Bank – will originate loans on VIVA’s platform, enabling the company to extend its reach and offer affordable credit to consumers across all 50 states over time.
By combining DRB’s banking infrastructure with VIVA’s unique underwriting and payments technology, the partnership aims to increase equitable access to credit for consumers underserved by traditional financial systems. Together, VIVA Finance and DRB are creating a more inclusive lending experience that is transparent, efficient and built for long-term financial stability.
“This collaboration allows us to reimagine how credit can work for millions of Americans. DRB’s commitment to responsible, consumer-focused banking makes them an ideal partner, and we deeply value their expertise and dedication. Together, we can deliver employment-based lending at scale, creating fairer, more accessible financial solutions for the hardworking customers we serve across the country," remarked Jack Markwalter, Chief Executive Officer, VIVA Finance.
The relationship represents a significant milestone in VIVA’s mission to deliver responsible, employment-based lending solutions to more working Americans. Through VIVA’s platform, the partnership streamlines the process for consumers to apply for loans and manage repayment. VIVA evaluates borrowers primarily on employment and income rather than solely on traditional credit scores, providing fairer, more accessible lending options. Repayment is simplified through payroll-linked or automated payment options that align with borrowers’ pay cycles, helping reduce financial stress and avoid high-cost alternatives.
Over time, the partnership with DRB will allow VIVA Finance to expand its reach to all 50 states, helping millions of working Americans build financial stability and access credit that supports their needs; deepen its product offerings; and sustain long-term growth while remaining committed to providing fair, transparent credit.
“Across our 20 year history as a bank, DRB has set itself apart with sophisticated banking infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation lending products like VIVA Finance that have the power to have a transformational impact on consumers. DRB is laser-focused on supporting innovation and we’re excited to help VIVA Finance in its mission to empower consumers to build financial stability and make smarter financial decisions,” said Jason Hardgrave, CEO at DRB.
VIVA has earned national recognition from Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. The company continues to invest in product innovation, talent and infrastructure to address the evolving financial needs of working Americans, especially those overlooked by traditional credit models.
About VIVA Finance
VIVA Finance is an Atlanta-based fintech company redefining access to credit by offering personal loans underwritten primarily on employment—not credit scores. Founded in 2019 by brothers Jack and Hodges Markwalter, VIVA is built on the belief that hardworking Americans deserve fair, transparent financial solutions regardless of their credit history. VIVA delivers low-friction, payroll-deducted loans that help employees manage unexpected expenses, build financial resilience and avoid predatory alternatives like payday loans or high-interest cash advances. VIVA has served hundreds of thousands of customers across the country, helping them collectively avoid millions in interest and fees. The company has raised over $20 million from mission-aligned investors and has been recognized by Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500, and Forbes for its rapid growth and innovative impact. To learn more, visit www.viva-finance.com or follow along on LinkedIn @VIVAFinance.
About DRB
DRB is a leading sponsor bank helping fintechs across America build and launch innovative new financial products. It has set itself apart with an organizational focus that prioritizes speed to market, with a rigorous focus on compliance. Founded in 2006, it has a decades-long track record of innovation, having launched digital lender Laurel Road as a separate business unit in 2013 and sold it to KeyBank in 2019. In addition to its fintech banking programs, DRB offers a broad set of commercial and small business lending, cash management and digital personal banking tools. DRB is a trade name of DR Bank and an FDIC insured Bank. To learn more about DRB visit their website or connect with them on LinkedIn.
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