Marketplace lending – which lets individuals and businesses borrow and lend money directly – often gives borrowers access to finance that they may not have otherwise been approved for by high street banks.
It’s a fast-growing industry: according to research by innovation charity NESTA, the marketplace lending industry is doubling in size every six months.
The Liberum AltFi Index, published in January, also shows that more than £1bn has been funded via UK marketplace lending platforms to date, which could jump to £45bn within a decade.
Highlights from the report
In association with LendInvest, we’ve produced a free downloadable report, outlining the key facts you need to know.
Roundtable attendees |
| David Serafini – Lend Invest |
| Christian Faes – Lend Invest |
| Julia Groves – UK Crowdfunding Association |
| Alasdair McPherson – Chalk Hill Partners |
| Andy Davis – Freelance journalist |
| Cormac Leech – Liberum |
| Eddie George – New Finance |
| Tom Bull – EY |
Here are some of the key highlights:
- Marketplace lending has led the industry to come under closer scrutiny by its closest competitor, the banking industry.
- While banks may feel the immediate threat of marketplace lending, in the longer term it poses a threat to other financial sectors such as the asset management industry.
- The industry remains relatively small, with an estimated 150,000-200,000 UK people engaged with marketplace lending, but could potentially grow if existing, recognised institutions lend alongside individuals.
Click below to download your free copy of the report:
Tech City News‘ monthly roundtables cover topical issues that affect London’s growing technology sector.
Taking place at the Eight Club in Moorgate, they bring together thought leaders, startup founders, investors and service providers for an informal discussion.