Weekly industry news roundup – March 6, 2017

Financial Well-being

Around the world

Times Leader published an article citing the growing interest among major financial firms to create their own marketplace lending businesses. Major players in the world of finance recognize the value of peer-to-peer lending as an alternative to conventional banking. Ironically, the entrance of global firms into marketplace lending resembles the traditional banking model that P2P investing distances itself from.

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Crowdfund Insider shared news of Orchard’s release of Q4, 2016 marketplace lending data. Orchard is a firm which seeks to aggregate the performance of numerous P2P lenders. These analytics empower investors to make informed decisions in an effort to get the best return for their capital. Overall, originations are on the rise.

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Tech Node discussed emerging marketplace regulations in China. The China Banking Regulatory Commission published an outline of rules designed to create a more sustainable framework around P2P investing. The three major components dictate that (1) funds invested must be deposited into commercial banks, (2) account reconciliations must be approved by the debtor and creditor and (3) firms must keep records of all lending.

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Growth Business took a look at how marketplace lending is upending the old fashioned process of working through a bank for loan approval. “Crowdfunding could be worth more than £12 billion in less than ten years, assuming that demand for investors and innovative start-ups continue to grow,” remarked the author. Moreover, the author posits that increased transparency will boost investor’s commitment to the technology.

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The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco cited peer-to-peer lending as one of “5 Fintech Trends Shaping Finance in Asia.” The author writes “peer-to-peer lending is growing rapidly, allowing individuals to lend to small businesses without the involvement of banks.” This news underscores the pervasiveness of the marketplace lending phenomenon.

Bondora mentions

P2P Banking shared international P2P lending lending statistics for more than 50 businesses as of February of 2017. Bondora was on the list showing a 34% increase in loan volume originations in the month compared to the same period last year.

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Estonian World reported on the country’s “continuing trend of innovation.” The author referenced Bondora as an example of a recent fintech startup making progress.