Fintech-Bank Alliance Revs Up OPE Industry with Streamlined Financing

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025 – A new partnership between fintech firm Octane and Huntington Bank is poised to reshape financing within the outdoor power equipment (OPE) industry. The collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive financing solution for OEMs, dealerships, and consumers, offering both prime and near-prime lending options through a single integrated platform.

The Convergence of Fintech and Traditional Lending

The partnership exemplifies a growing trend of fintech companies joining forces with established banks to deliver innovative financial services. Octane, known for its digital lending platform and expertise in recreational financing, brings technology and risk management capabilities to the table. Huntington Bank, a regional financial institution with over 1,000 branches, provides lending capacity and a broad customer base. This synergy allows both companies to expand their reach and offer a more comprehensive suite of services.

“We're seeing a definite move towards this type of collaboration,” notes one industry analyst. “Fintechs excel at creating user-friendly digital experiences and efficiently assessing risk. Banks bring capital and regulatory expertise. It’s a win-win.”

Octane's initial foray into recreational lending focused on powersports, RVs, and boats. This partnership signifies a strategic expansion into the OPE market, which has experienced steady growth in recent years driven by factors such as increased homeownership, landscaping trends, and a renewed focus on outdoor living. The company's Dealer Portal 2.0, unveiled earlier this year, is central to this integration, streamlining the financing process for dealers.

Boosting Access to Financing in the OPE Industry

The OPE industry has historically faced challenges in providing accessible financing options for all consumers. Many potential buyers, particularly those with less-than-perfect credit, struggle to secure affordable loans. This partnership addresses that need by offering a wider range of credit tiers, from prime to near-prime, through a single platform.

“The goal is to remove friction from the buying process,” explains a representative from Huntington Bank. “By providing dealers with access to multiple lending sources, we can approve more customers and help them get the equipment they need.”

The integrated platform also benefits dealerships by simplifying their financing operations. Dealers can access a comprehensive suite of tools, including prequalification tools, digital loan applications, and real-time credit decisioning. This streamlined process saves time and resources, allowing dealers to focus on sales and customer service. The new arrangement provides a solution to the complexities often associated with managing multiple lenders and navigating different credit requirements.

Beyond Technology: Integrating Media and Financing

What sets Octane apart is its strategic integration of media properties with its financing solutions. The company owns well-known publications like Cycle World and UTV Driver, which cater to enthusiasts in the powersports and recreational vehicle markets. By leveraging these platforms, Octane can generate leads and drive traffic to its financing offerings.

“The media brands act as a powerful marketing engine,” says an industry insider. “They create awareness, build trust, and generate interest in recreational products. This is a highly effective way to connect with potential buyers.”

The integration of media and financing creates a synergistic ecosystem where content drives interest, and financing facilitates purchases. This approach is particularly appealing to consumers who are actively researching and comparing different products. Data suggests that readers of Cycle World and UTV Driver are actively engaged in the recreational vehicle and OPE markets, making them prime candidates for financing options. The partnership leverages this existing audience to drive business.

However, it’s important to acknowledge potential concerns around customer service and payment processing associated with Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial. While the partnership aims to provide broader access to financing, some online reviews indicate that customers have experienced challenges with payment issues and communication. Addressing these concerns will be crucial to building trust and ensuring a positive customer experience.

The continued success of this partnership will depend on the ability of Octane and Huntington Bank to seamlessly integrate their technologies, deliver exceptional customer service, and address the evolving needs of the OPE industry.