WeBank is a private Chinese neobank, founded by Tencent, Baiyeyuan, Liye Group, and other companies. Tencent is the single largest shareholder, with an estimated 30 percent ownership share. In 2019, WeBank's estimated valuation was US$21 billion.[2]
Headquartered in Hong Kong,[1] WeBank was approved by the regulatory authorities in December 2014, and began its operations in 2015.[3] On January 4, 2015, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pressed the "Enter" key on a computer terminal at the Shenzhen Qianhai WeBank office, initiating the company's first-ever loan, of CN¥35000 (US$5600), to a truck driver.[4]
WeBank bank has no physical branches or outlets, and does not rely on property guarantees. Instead, it grants loans through face recognition technology and big data credit ratings. In mid-May 2015, WeBank launched WeiLiDai (微粒贷, lit. 'particulate loan'), its "micro-loan" suite of inclusive financial loan products.