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 launching its own Visa debit card, the Klarna Card, as part of its strategy to expand beyond its "buy now, pay later" services and position itself as a comprehensive banking player. The card will allow users to access various funding sources and is being piloted in the U.S. before a wider rollout, while Klarna partners with WebBank to offer FDIC-insured accounts.

Klarna Group Plc has entered into a forward-flow agreement to sell up to $26 billion of buy-now, pay-later loans to Nelnet Inc., a move aimed at freeing up capital ahead of its public debut. This deal will enable Klarna to enhance its pay-in-4 product in the US, allowing consumers to make interest-free payments on purchases over a few weeks.

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.