MONTREAL, Quebec, June 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IOU Financial Inc. (TSX-V:IOU) ("IOU Financial", "IOU", or the "Company") announced today that Canadian Business and PROFIT 500 ranked IOU Financial No. 32 on the 26th annual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies. Published in the July issue of Canadian Business and online at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian businesses by their revenue growth over five years.

IOU Financial, an online lender to small businesses, made the 2014 PROFIT 500 list with five-year revenue growth of 1,924%.

"The members of the PROFIT 500 are the elite of the country's entrepreneurial community," says James Cowan, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Business and PROFIT. "Their stories are lessons in business strategy, innovation, management excellence and sheer tenacity."

"IOU Financial is honoured to be on the PROFIT 500 ranking," says CEO Phil Marleau. "This achievement reflects the strength of our lending platform and the dedication of our team."

About PROFIT and PROFITguide.com

PROFIT: Your Guide to Business Success is Canada's preeminent media brand dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid-sized businesses. For 32 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it's a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them achieve business success and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Visit PROFIT online at PROFITguide.com.

About Canadian Business

Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving, best-selling and most-trusted business publication in the country. With a readership of more than 800,000, it is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, business strategy and management tactics. We provide concrete examples of business achievement, thought-provoking analysis and compelling storytelling, all in an elegant package with bold graphics and great photography. Canadian Business—what leadership looks like.

About IOU Financial Inc.

IOU Financial, via its U.S. subsidiary, IOU Central, provides small businesses throughout the U.S. access to the capital they need to seize growth opportunities quickly. Typical customers include medical and dental practices, grocery and retail stores, restaurant and hotel franchisees and e-commerce companies. In a unique approach to lending, IOU Central's advanced, automated application and approval system accurately assesses applicants' financial realities, with an emphasis on day-to-day cash flow trends. It makes loans of up to $100,000 to qualified applicants within a few business days, with affordable charges favorable to cash-flow management. IOU Central's speed and transparency make it a trusted alternative to banks.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of IOU including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory and shareholder approvals, the execution of definitive documentation and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. IOU does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The TSX-V has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.