Savi, a leading provider of student loan and education benefits, today announced the acquisition of Fiducius, a well-established education benefits platform serving employers and their workforces. The deal marks Savi’s first acquisition and represents a major step in expanding its national employer and channel partner network.
The move comes at a critical moment for student loan borrowers, as continued changes within the U.S. Department of Education have created uncertainty around repayment, forgiveness programs, and long-term financial planning. By bringing Fiducius into the fold, Savi aims to scale its ability to help employees navigate the full lifecycle of education-related financial decisions.
Expanding Reach in a Confusing Policy Environment
Recent shifts in federal student loan policy have left many borrowers struggling to understand their options. Savi co-founder Aaron Smith sees the acquisition as a way to cut through that confusion at scale.
“In the past few years, we have seen various policy changes to the college financing landscape, making it increasingly difficult for employers and employees to navigate,” Smith said. “With the Fiducius team onboard, we’re confident we’ll be able to provide great education benefits to even more employers.”
Together, the companies will offer expanded services, a broader product portfolio, and increased customer support capacity—benefiting both existing Savi clients and Fiducius users.
Complementary Platforms, Shared Mission
Both Savi and Fiducius have built reputations around helping employees successfully navigate the federal student loan system, from identifying optimal repayment plans to unlocking forgiveness opportunities.
Founded in 2011, Fiducius has supported borrowers through a wide range of employee benefits, including:
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Student loan contributions
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Tuition reimbursement
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Retirement matching
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Parental college planning
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Banking and financial wellness benefits
The platform has worked closely with organizations in education and healthcare and, as of December 2025, managed more than $2 billion in student loan debt.
For borrowers like Lauren R. from Atlanta, the impact has been life-changing. “There are a lot of hoops to jump through, but with Fiducius guiding me, I had close to $100,000 in debt forgiven. They were a lifesaver,” she said.
A Strategic Fit for Long-Term Growth
Savi co-founder Tobin Van Ostern emphasized the alignment between the two companies’ cultures and capabilities.
“We’ve been fortunate to get to know the Fiducius team through our mutual work in employer benefits, and always thought they would be a great fit to join forces with,” Van Ostern said. “For more than a decade, the Fiducius team has done an incredible job not only building trust with employees and clients, but also building a platform that has helped borrowers navigate financial decisions at different stages of their education journey.”
The acquisition positions Savi to deliver a more comprehensive, end-to-end education benefits experience—covering student loans, higher education planning, and long-term financial wellness.
What’s Next for Fiducius
As part of the transaction, Jim Zedella, CEO of Fiducius, will continue to serve as an advisor to Savi, and Fiducius employees will join the Savi organization. The deal was advised by martinwolf, which served as acquisition advisor to Fiducius.
Zedella described the acquisition as a win for employees and employers alike.
“We’ve always admired Savi for the value it brings to its partners and clients,” he said. “The Savi team brings a passion like no other to solving the student loan debt crisis while advancing higher education. The union of our organizations is so compelling for our team, partners, and valued clients.”
Bigger Implications for Employer Benefits
As competition for talent intensifies, education and student loan benefits are becoming a key differentiator for employers. The Savi–Fiducius combination reflects a broader trend: employers are looking for simpler, more comprehensive solutions to support employees’ financial well-being—especially as government programs grow more complex.
With its first acquisition complete, Savi is signaling an ambition to become a national leader in education benefits, combining policy expertise, technology, and employer distribution to help millions of borrowers make smarter decisions about their education and debt.
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