EQT has appointed Per Franzén as its new CEO and managing partner while Singapore-based fintech startup Lendela has appointed Kent Huang as its chief financial officer and Steven Wong as chief technology officer.
EQT appoints new CEO
Global investment firm EQT has appointed Per Franzén as its new CEO and managing partner, effective from the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, according to an announcement.
Per Franzén will succeed Christian Sinding, who grew the firm from a market capitalisation of around 7 billion euros during its 2019 IPO to around 40 billion euros now ($42 billion).
Franzén has spent nearly two decades at EQT, and currently serves as Head of Private Capital Europe & North America and deputy managing partner. He most recently led the 22 billion euro raise of EQT X, which was the largest private equity fund closed globally in 2024. EQT Private Capital Europe & North America has 113 billion euros in total AUM, making it EQT’s largest business line.
Lendela appoints CFO and CTO
Singapore-based fintech startup Lendela has appointed Kent Huang as its chief financial officer and Steven Wong as chief technology officer to strengthen its expansion efforts across the Asia-Pacific region.
The appointments follow strong 2024 results, as the company seeks to scale its “reverse auction” loan-matching model, which allows financial institutions to bid competitively for borrowers.
Huang, who spent nearly two decades in financial leadership roles at firms including PayPal and Intuit, will oversee Lendela’s financial strategy, risk management, and compliance.
He is expected to strengthen governance as the company grows its headcount and lender partnerships.
Wong, with more than 15 years of experience in building technology solutions for high-growth fintech ventures, will lead the development of Lendela’s systems infrastructure to optimise the borrower and lender experience.
The appointments are part of Lendela’s broader push to expand in APAC’s lending market. Since early 2024, the firm has increased its workforce by about 30%, facilitated over 400,000 loan applications, and partnered with more than 100 lenders.
Lendela’s top shareholders
Lendela posted $3.59 million in revenue in 2023 compared with $1.89 million in 2022. Its losses also declined to $0.84 million from $1.01 million a year earlier.
