A major fintech player is giving ex-employees an unexpected window to liquidate their equity stakes—but there's a catch. According to recent Financial Times reporting, the company's rolling out a buyback program that lets former team members sell their shares at a 30% markdown from current valuation.

The move comes as private tech valuations face growing scrutiny. While the discount might sting, it's actually a lifeline for many who've been locked into illiquid positions since leaving. Most startups offer zero secondary market options, leaving departed employees watching paper gains evaporate or stay frozen indefinitely.

What makes this notable? The timing. As funding winters drag on and IPO windows stay shut, liquidity events are rarer than ever. Former staffers who walked away with equity compensation now have a tangible exit route—even if it means taking a haircut.

For the company, it's strategic housekeeping. Consolidating shares from alumni reduces cap table complexity and keeps ownership concentrated among active stakeholders. The 30% discount reflects both market realities and the premium the company places on cleaning up legacy equity structures.

Whether this becomes a template for other late-stage firms remains to be seen. But it's a data point worth watching as private markets recalibrate expectations around valuations and liquidity access.