John Gillen and Milk Road analyst Martin examine how Figure reduced the cost and time required to originate home equity lines of credit using proprietary software, AI, and blockchain rails. They explain why Figure Connect, which lets third parties originate loans through the platform, is turning the business from a balance-sheet-constrained lender into a scalable marketplace.
The discussion addresses the falling take rate that concerned analysts after Q2 earnings. Martin argues that the decline reflects a larger share of lower-fee partner volume, while revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and contribution margins indicate improving operating leverage.
They also assess Figure’s competitive advantages, including faster underwriting, onchain infrastructure, partner growth, and expanding liquidity. Martin remains bullish but says another few quarters may be needed to confirm that the growth is sustainable and support a broader repricing of the stock.