New issuer seeks Clout in credit card ABS market

A Westport, Conn.-based credit card issuer, which targets college undergraduate and graduate students, is marketing its inaugural securitization, with the hopes of launching this week. Specialty monoline credit card issuer Clout Financial teamed up with the more familiar M&I Bank to bring Clout Financial Credit Card Trust series 2004-1, a $110 million Ambac-wrapped fixed-rate offering via Societe General, in the Rule 144A markets last week.

The offering also represents the first term ABS lead mandate for Soc Gen this year the last from Soc Gen being a joint lead role on a corporate aircraft ABS by GE Capital Corp.