Klarna and Affirm, two leading players in the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) sector, are preparing for potential initial public offerings (IPOs) as they navigate a competitive landscape influenced by major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard. The growth of BNPL services has raised regulatory scrutiny, prompting these companies to adapt their business models to ensure sustainability and compliance in the evolving market.

Klarna is set to go public with an expected IPO price of $35 to $37 per share, but it faces challenges as its growth has lagged behind competitors like Affirm. Investment bankers are pricing Klarna based on smaller peers rather than its closest rival, indicating a shift in perception of its market position. The company has opportunities to regain momentum through its expansion into cards and everyday banking, but its future growth is uncertain.