London - based firm Navient plans to start issuing student loans in 2019 after its recent acquisition of fintech start - up Sage in a cash deal worth $ 155 m . Navient , a Sallie - Mae spin - off created in 2014 , services and collects about $ 300bn in student loans , while San Francisco - based Earnest is an online lender specialising in refinancing student loans . " The deal will give Earnest the financial support of a larger company while Navient will gain access to Earnest 's technological expertise . Earnest 's lending decisions are based on analysis of thousands of data points , including spending habits , credit history and investment potential , and the firm will remain a distinct brand .
London - based firm Navient plans to start issuing student loans in 2019 after its recent acquisition of fintech start - up Sage in a cash deal worth $ 155 m . Navient , a Sallie - Mae spin - off created in 2014 , services and collects about $ 300bn in student loans , while San Francisco - based Earnest is an online lender specialising in refinancing student loans . The deal will give Earnest the financial support of a larger company while Navient will gain access to Earnest 's technological expertise . Earnest 's lending decisions are based on analysis of thousands of data points , including spending habits , credit history and investment potential , and the firm will remain a distinct brand .