Credit card company to exit student loan market

  • Discover Financial Services to explore sale of student loans business
  • Credit card company will stop accepting new applications for student loans on Feb. 1
  • Management authorized to explore sale of student loans business
  • Discover Student Loans portfolio may be sold
  • Servicing of loans to be transferred to third-party provider

Discover Financial Services has announced its plans to explore the sale of its student loans business. As part of this decision, the company will no longer accept new applications for student loans starting from February 1. The board of directors has authorized management to explore strategic alternatives for the student loan business, including the potential sale of the Discover Student Loans portfolio. Additionally, the servicing of these loans will be transferred to a third-party provider. This move reflects Discover’s focus on its core credit card business and its commitment to maximizing shareholder value.

Public Companies: Discover Financial Services (DFS)
Private Companies:
Key People:


Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides a clear and concise statement about Discover Financial Services exploring the sale of its student loans business. It mentions that the company will transfer the servicing of those loans to a third-party provider and pursue strategic alternatives for the student loan business. The information is based on a regulatory filing, which adds credibility to the report. However, the article lacks additional details or context about the reasons behind the decision or any potential impact on customers or employees.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides a brief and straightforward report on Discover Financial Services’ decision to explore the sale of its student loans business. It does not contain any irrelevant or misleading information, but it lacks in-depth analysis, evidence, or actionable insights.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Discover Financial Services

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article pertains to financial topics as it discusses Discover Financial Services exploring the sale of its student loans portfolio.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com