A while ago I blogged about the new(ish) peer-to-peer lending websites, such as Zopa, the largest in the UK. I also said I’d be looking into the matter further.
So I decided to read what the established financial journalists (the people who are paid for their expertise) are saying.
I’ve looked at a few of them, following the principle of Lobachesvky, who famously said: (according to the legendary Tom Lehrer): “To steal from one source; that’s plagiarism. To steal from many: that’s research.”
Firstly, I’ve learned that Zopa stands for the “Zone Of Possible Agreement” and its aim is to cut out the middleman by putting lenders and borrowers directly in touch. The site acts as a facilitator and makes sure debts are repaid.
“Personal finance just got a whole lot friendlier”
In an earlier post on this subject I mentioned Maryrose Fison’s article with the above title (January 2011) in the Independent. See below for a link, as it’s still on their website. Here’s my inexpert précis of what some other writers have said.
Rosie Murray-West, Daily Telegraph
She says that “(new-style) Peer-to-peer lending websites and old-style credit unions have been major beneficiaries of public anger against the banks, seeing a huge level of growth in 2010.
“ …Zopa … allows ordinary people with savings to lend them out at an average rate of 8pc and has now lent a total of £110m. Its rising popularity has led to four new peer-to-peer lenders being created in 2010, and the industry is now working on becoming properly regulated and establishing a code of conduct.”
Credit Unions
“Meanwhile credit unions, which are co-operative organisations offering affordable loans and accounts without bank charges, have also grown.
A spokesman for ABCUL, the credit union association, said the amount of savings in British credit unions had risen by 27% in the two years to March despite the fact that many British people were struggling to save in the current economic climate. The number of new members of credit unions rose by 18.4% in the same period.
“Mark Lyonette, ABCUL’s chief executive, said that Credit Unions continue to grow as more and more people seek a fair and affordable alternative to the high street banks. He added that if the Government made good on its interest in making credit unions accessible through the post office network, there was the potential for many more people to join them.”
Martin Lewis’s ‘Money-Saving Expert’ site; opinions on Zopa
The ‘MSE’ site was sceptical about Zopa at first. But now they are saying that under certain conditions, it makes sense. As of today, the site’s view is:
“… for those with a good credit score, there’s an alternative. Zopa is a unique internet marketplace which couples people who want to lend with those who want to borrow. On application it gives you a credit score, and if you get its top A*, A or B ranking, you can borrow.
Loan rates vary daily and are determined by the amount needed and length of borrowing. For A* or A grade credit scorers wanting cash over 36 or 60 months, it can beat some loan rates, particularly on smaller amounts; currently, 9.6% APR is available for loans of £4,000, for example.”
View of a Zopa customer
By way of a change from the financial journos, here’s a quote from an actual Zopa borrower. (5 July 2011)
“Just thought I would let you all see my finished kitchen :o) All tiled and just about back to normal now. Thank you all to those who have helped me pay for this, you have no idea how happy I am it’s finally been done! :0} xxxxxx”
Editor’s note (that’s me): there is a video on Zopa’s Facebook page too but I’m not able to reproduce that, because I haven’t done the training course to insert video.
For your guidance, their loans are apparently mostly for the purpose of home improvement (like the above), cars or debt consolidation.
Moneywise “Most Trusted” awards
… and finally, I must congratulate this peer-to-peer lender for having achieved an important award. According to Moneywise magazine, Zopa is the UK’s Most Trusted Personal Loans Provider 2011. This was for the second year running and was against a shortlist that also included First Direct, Nationwide, Tesco Bank, Sainsbury’s Bank and Natwest.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
1. For Rosie Murray-West’s article from the Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/savings/8214641/Savers-spurn-banks-for-Zopa-style-peer-to-peer-lenders.html
2. Peer-to-peer lending: how to choose the right site by Emma Simon. (also in the Telegraph)
3. For the article in The Independent by Maryrose Fison: http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/maryrose-fison-personal-finance-just-got-a-whole-lot-friendlier-2173935.html
4. For the Money Saving Expert site and newsletter signup: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
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