What is Microlending?
Microlending is, in a nutshell, the lending of very small amounts.
Microlending and Microlending are both forms of Microfinance ;)
Personally, I don't restrict this to mean that the borrower is receiving a small amount, but the source of their loans is many parties.
For example:
1000 people lend $25 each to make for a $25000 loan. This is microlending, many people are lending a very small amount to make for a large loan. This makes a lot of sense, because it allows for someone with just a small amount of money, say $150, to loan to 6 different borrowers, thus diversifying their loan risk. This is the type of microlending offered by Prosper.com and, hopefully one day by Communitylend.
1 person lends $250 to one person for a $250 loan. This too is microlending, but more along the lines of microcredit, where the borrower is receiving a rather small amount of money, at least from our point-of-view. For those receiving the funds, however, this could actually amount to a great deal of money in purchasing power terms. This is along the lines of Kiva.org, although I believe many people can fund these loans as well.
3 reponses to "What is Microlending?"
1. We are here!
There has always been a third player .Small , low key and has been around for years.We just wanted to be sure we were up to speed on compliance.The other two guys have made lots of waves with the regulators.Our approach is a little more simple,more conservative and we feel structured in a more secured way.Have a look.There will be a press release next week!!!!
2. "Low-key"? You sure aren't
"Low-key"? You sure aren't kidding!
3. Peer to Peer
We are just a small family owned business that has been helping unbankable Canadains for years.I will be happy to share my knowledge and opinions anytime.I have been microlending for thirty years and the last ten years on a fulltime basis.Our core lending is within the auto business but one of our sister companies provides secured and unsecured consumer loans.I am personally excited to see a launch by Communitylend.They have resources far above mine.I will be the first to particpate.Peer to Peer Canada.com is operated by London Stone Financial(a limited market dealer).As we all know, a securities dealer must explain and sell this type of investment.I think 2010 will be very exciting year for peer to peer lending in Canada.
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