TechCrunch analyzes rates at marketplace lending platforms, identifying a trend towards increased delinquencies and borrowing rates for lower credit quality borrowers; platforms have been increasing rates for lower credit quality consumers to potentially offset some of the higher risk of defaults; analysts have speculated that the changes occurring in the lower credit quality categories could be a sign of recession however other economic factors appear to be stable; TechCrunch identifies a significant change occurring in the labor market that could be influential for borrowers over the long term; the automation of jobs is affecting the labor market and the result could disrupt a number of historically stable industries while also changing the tech industry substantially. Source
JPMorgan asset-backed securities (ABS) analysts have highlighted marketplace lending securitizations, noting their growth and trending performance; cite marketplace lending ABS as one of the fastest growing securitization categories, increasing from $3.3 billion in 2013 to $9 billion in 2016; also say performance is better or similar to the broad market's ABS consumer loan securitizations overall with higher returns and lower default rates; additionally, the analysts report that credit characteristics on Avant's securitizations have improved. Source
Wilmington Trust provides insight on the marketplace lending industry in their featured blog post; the blog post includes an edited version of a panel discussion on the growing opportunity for institutional investment in the industry; discussion includes how the industry is defined, its borrowers and lenders, and its outlook. Sponsored Blog Post
Marlette Funding has filed for a new securitization portfolio, Marlette Funding Trust 2017-1; the portfolio details were filed by Marlette Funding Depositor Trust; associated parties include Deutsche Bank Securities, Citigroup Global Markets and Goldman Sachs; the portfolio will contain unsecured consumer loans originated by Marlette. Source
The round was led by NEA and Wing Venture Capital; the company works with mobile operators to access consumers in emerging markets, offering pre-paid customers a micro-loan when they are low on data or minutes; through the app, users are also able to build up their credit over time and Juvo hopes to offer users more financial services products in the future; the seven carriers that Juvo works with also benefit by reducing customer churn and increasing revenue. Source
John Battelle, founder of Newco, talks with SoFi's Mike Cagney about the firm and its business growth; Cagney talks about the firm's customer commitment and the support customers receive over traditional banks; also reports on the verticals it has expanded to since starting the business with student loans; additionally Cagney provides some metrics on the business including that the company has $1 billion in equity on its balance sheet, $6 billion of lending capacity, $9.5 billion in loans for 2017 and estimates $18 to $20 billion in loan originations for 2018. Source
SoFi is one of the US's fastest growing alternative finance companies; the Financial Revolutionist talks with Mike Cagney about the firm's accomplishments, success factors and future objectives; Cagney provides insight on the firm's recent acquisition of Zenbanx and $500 million fundraising; discusses how these deals will drive growth for the firm and the other areas of the business the firm is working to expand. Source
Millenium Trust Company has hired Tom Daley to lead the Alternative Solutions Group; Millenium Trust is a leading provider of custody solutions in the marketplace lending industry; Mr. Daley will be focused on adviser and registered investment adviser business development, seeking to expand the firm's alternative assets under custody from fund managers and financial advisers. Source
Understanding the millennial customer is a key for most lenders in the market today and Stephen Dash of Credible explains how his firm handles this challenge during his fireside chat at LendIt USA 2017 with Dakin Campbell of Bloomberg; identifying who the millennial is and how they consume information will help you to tailor your products to this group; 25% of consumers today fall into the millennial category and Credible believes a strong, focused product set will help them to service this generation efficiently; before looking to sell other types of services you must first build a relationship with them, trust can be eroded in an instant; ensuring a compelling value proposition is the key and fully understanding what the customer needs will help you to hold that customer over the lifetime; ultimately customers are co-owned and you can help to make sure your relationship lasts by showing a loyal and durable product set. Source
Online lending appears to be driving increased personal loan borrowing from millennials; data from TransUnion says 4.33% of millennials obtained a personal loan in 2015 and online lenders accounted for approximately 30% of the personal loan market last year; TransUnion also reports that millennials are more conservative about credit card debt with two fewer cards on average than the previous generation. Source