What is peer-to-peer (P2P) lending?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, also known as marketplace lending, is a lending model that connects borrowers and lenders directly through online platforms, bypassing traditional financial intermediaries like banks.

In P2P lending, individuals or businesses in need of loans can create loan listings on a P2P platform to request funding. On the other side, individual investors or institutional lenders can review these listings and choose to fund them based on their risk appetite and desired return on investment.

P2P lending platforms act as facilitators, streamlining the loan application, credit evaluation, and loan servicing processes. They utilize technology to enhance the user experience and match lenders with borrowers. Loans obtained through P2P lending can be utilized for various purposes, including debt consolidation, small business loans, education loans, and personal loans.

The operation of P2P lending platforms is governed by the legal framework of the country they are based in. These platforms must comply with all relevant laws, especially those related to borrower and investor protection, which may vary depending on the country’s regulations.

Examples of P2P lending platforms

LendingClub stands out as one of the leading P2P lending platforms. It offers a wide range of loan options, including personal loans, business loans, and auto refinancing. Zopa is another notable P2P lending platform in the United Kingdom, connecting borrowers and investors for personal loans and investments.

Aave, built on the Ethereum blockchain, represents a decentralized P2P lending platform that enables users to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies based on supply and demand dynamics. It provides various features such as liquidity mining incentives, flash loans, and collateralized borrowing.

How does P2P lending work?

To illustrate the P2P lending process, let’s consider an example involving Brian, who wishes to borrow $10,000 for debt consolidation. Brian begins by submitting a loan application on a P2P lending platform, providing his financial details, and explaining the purpose of the loan. After assessing Brian’s creditworthiness, the platform lists his loan.

Anita, a user of the platform, comes across Brian’s loan listing and decides to fund $1,000 of the loan as it aligns with her investment strategy. As more lenders participate, Brian eventually receives the full $10,000 once the loan is fully funded. Over time, Brian’s monthly repayments, consisting of principal and interest, are distributed among the lenders by the P2P lending network. Brian pays interest on the loan, providing a return on investment for Anita and other lenders.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the P2P lending process between Brian and Anita:

1. Brian submits a loan application for $10,000 to consolidate his debt through a P2P lending website.

2. Based on Brian’s financial information and loan purpose, the P2P lending platform assesses his creditworthiness.

3. The platform lists Brian’s loan request, including details such as loan amount, annual percentage rate, and loan purpose.

4. Anita, an investor on the platform, chooses to contribute $1,000 to Brian’s loan after reviewing various loan listings.

5. Once the loan is fully funded by multiple lenders, Brian receives the $10,000 loan amount.

6. Brian makes monthly repayments, including principal and interest, to the P2P lending platform.

7. The P2P lending network collects Brian’s repayments and distributes them to the lenders, such as Anita.

8. Over time, Alice and other lenders generate profits from their investments through the interest payments made by Brian.

By following this process, P2P lending platforms enable individuals and businesses to access loans directly from investors while providing opportunities for lenders to diversify their portfolios and potentially earn attractive returns.