Alternative Finance Market by Type, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

Alternative Finance Market Forecast 2023-2027

The Global Alternative Finance Market size is estimated to increase by USD 63.35 billion between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.71%. A key driving force pushing the market forward is the promise of heightened returns for investors. Alternative finance channels present notably greater returns when compared to conventional investment avenues like fixed deposits (FDs) or government bonds offered by traditional financial institutions. Another key factor influencing the market growth is the rapid growth in APAC. Alternative finance platforms, including P2P lending, crowdfunding, and invoice trading, are growing in APAC due to the presence of several SMEs.

What will be the size of the Alternative Finance Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

By Type

The alternative financing market share growth by the P2P lending segment will be significant during the forecast period. The P2P consumer lending sub-segment holds a major share of the P2P lending segment due to the growth in the number of online consumer lending platforms and the increasing use of technology in financial transactions. Some popular P2P lending platforms include LendingClub, Zopa, Bondora Capital, Prosper Marketplace, and Upstart Network. However, P2P lending is associated with a high risk of defaults as the loans are unsecured. Therefore, large investors usually maintain a spread portfolio of their investments. P2P lending is also associated with challenges such as platform failures, the risk of fraud, hacking, and data theft. These factors are expected to augment the demand of the P2P lending segment hence driving the growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.

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The P2P lending segment was valued at USD 120.70 billion in 2017 and continue to grow by 2021. In this segment, P2P lending is similar to credit obtained from financial institutions. However, the funds are raised from one or more independent investors. P2P borrowers must make weekly or monthly repayments of the principal amount with interest. P2P lending is usually carried out through online platforms. Investors directly select businesses to fund, or the lending platforms provide the terms of credit. Some variations in the model allow investors to bid on loan amounts and interest rates through an online auction process. P2P lending is popular among individual borrowers and SMEs, as small to medium-scale loans can be obtained easily. Several individuals opt for P2P loans for debt consolidation, which allows them to pay debts accrued from credit cards or loans from financial institutions. 

By Region

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North America is estimated to contribute 72% to the global alternative financing market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The growth of P2P lending and crowdfunding has increased significantly in North America. The increasing number of students, growing awareness about clearing personal debt, rising Internet penetration, technological advances, the rise of online trading and finance platforms, and the presence of prominent companies are the major factors driving the market in North America. The number of SMEs has grown significantly in North America. Therefore, a growing number of SMEs in this region are boosting the growth in North America.

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The market is being propelled by the rise of fintech innovations and technological advancements in the lending process. Traditional finance systems are being challenged by alternative financing platforms such as peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and blockchain-based alternative lending platforms. These platforms offer greater flexibility and accessibility, especially for small businesses that may face strict requirements from traditional banking institutions. Moreover, the emergence of internet-based platforms has facilitated quick and easy access to credit, attracting third-party capital and investors seeking better returns. Additionally, blockchain-based technologies are enhancing data transparency and accountability throughout the alternative financing lifecycle, mitigating security threats and increasing trust among users. As a result, the Alternative Finance Market is experiencing significant growth driven by the convergence of fintech innovation, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences towards more accessible and transparent financial solutions. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

Enhanced returns for investors stand out as a primary catalyst propelling the market forward. Alternative finance avenues offer notably superior returns compared to conventional investment options such as fixed deposits (FDs) or government bonds provided by traditional financial entities. While the average yield on FDs or 10-year government bonds in developed nations like the UK and the US typically ranges from 1% to 3%, platforms like LendingClub and Funding Circle boast theoretical average returns of approximately 7%. Even in developing countries where bank savings and bond yield rates mirror those offered by such platforms, the allure of quicker return on investment (ROI) is attracting a new wave of investors.

Furthermore, operators in the alternative finance sphere can afford to offer higher ROI owing to their streamlined operational framework and reduced overhead costs compared to traditional banks and financial institutions. Online platforms operate without significant physical assets like offices, incur minimal human resource and operational expenses, and benefit from lower capital acquisition, collection, and billing costs due to conducting transactions entirely online. Consequently, these operators can furnish investors with more attractive returns. Such dynamics are poised to drive sustained market growth throughout the forecast period.

Significant Market Trend

Another key factor influencing the market growth is the rapid growth in APAC. Alternative finance platforms, including P2P lending, crowdfunding, and invoice trading, are growing in APAC due to the presence of several SMEs. The number of SMEs has increased significantly in Asian countries. For instance, the number of SMEs in China was approximately 18.07 million by the end of 2018. Similarly, according to the data published by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as of March 2020, there were 63.3 million (6.33 Crore) SMEs present across India. The growing number of SMEs in APAC is increasing the demand for alternative financial services and platforms for business growth.

The solutions and service providers are helping SMEs by strengthening their access to credit and equity, which, in turn, enables SMEs to invest in growth. Moreover, growing Internet penetration, coupled with the use of smartphones, is encouraging people in APAC to use P2P lending and crowdfunding platforms. This, in turn, is expected to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Major Challenge

The high risk of credit default is one of the key challenges hindering the market growth. Alternative finance funds borrowers lack collateral assets and credit history or have poor credit ratings. Therefore, they do not qualify for loans from traditional financial institutions as the chance of defaulting is high. The high risk of credit default discourages many financers from investing in these solutions, which forces the intermediaries and operators to decline many borrowers or charge a higher rate of interest. The rate of credit default for almost all major lenders such as Prosper Marketplace, LendingClub, and Funding Circle has been significantly higher than their initial projections.

For instance, the default rates for LendingClub and Prosper Marketplace on loans with a payback period of three years or more average at around 10%-14%. High-risk lenders such as Bondora Capital, which provide loans to customers with very poor creditworthiness, have a credit default rate of up to 25%-30% of their overall loan volume. The high risk of credit default may discourage potential investors from investing, which could affect the growth of the alternative financing market industry during the forecast period.

Key Market Customer Landscape

The alternative financing market report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Alternative Finance Market Players?

companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Bondora - The company offers alternative finance loans which invest in business ventures and provide capital for startups that need quick funding. The company is involved in offering consumer loans in continental Europe regions such as Finland, Spain, and Estonia through a fully digital process, supported by advanced credit analytics and in-house servicing.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• CircleUp Network Inc.
• ConnectionPoint Systems Inc.
• Crowdfunder Ltd.
• Fundable LLC
• Funding Circle Holdings Plc
• Funding Options Ltd.
• Fundrise LLC
• GoFundMe Inc.
• Indiegogo Inc.
• Invoice Interchange Pvt. Ltd.
• Kickstarter PBC
• Kriya Finance Ltd.
• Lending Crowd
• LendingClub Corp.
• OFB Tech Pvt. Ltd.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report forecasts market by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

• Type Outlook 
  • P2P lending
  • Crowdfunding
  • Invoice trading

• End-User Outlook
  • Individual
  • Organization

• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Analyst Overview

The Market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by various innovative models such as peer-to-peer consumer & commercial lending, reward-based crowdfunding, and equity crowdfunding. With the rise of third-party payment platforms facilitating transactions, alternative finance options like peer-to-peer lending and debt-based crowdfunding are becoming increasingly accessible to consumers and businesses alike. Platforms like SoFi are revolutionizing customer service operations, challenging traditional lenders and offering competitive terms. Amid economic uncertainty, alternative finance provides flexible and diverse funding options, empowering individuals and enterprises to access capital efficiently. As peer-to-peer lending platforms continue to proliferate, the market is poised for continued expansion, catering to the evolving needs of borrowers and investors in the digital age.

The market is experiencing notable growth driven by various factors such as the emergence of third-party payment platforms, advancements in technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). This market offers a range of financial services solutions beyond traditional options like bank loans, catering to entrepreneurs and individuals facing challenges accessing conventional finance. Online lenders, revenue-based financing, and digital currencies are gaining traction, providing viable alternatives for those lacking access to traditional financial services. However, challenges persist, including economic downturns, regulatory constraints, and the stigma associated with non-traditional borrowing. Despite these hurdles, government support and evolving attitudes toward borrowing are shaping a promising landscape for alternative finance products and digital lending platforms amidst changing societal norms and social distancing measures.

Alternative Finance Market Scope
Report Coverage	Details
Page number	160
Base year	2022
Historic period	2017-2021
Forecast period	2023-2027
Growth momentum & CAGR	Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.71%
Market growth 2023-2027	USD 63.35 billion
Market structure	Fragmented
YoY growth 2022-2023(%)	5.65
Regional analysis	North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
Performing market contribution	North America at 72%
Key countries	US, China, Indonesia, UK, and Germany
Competitive landscape	Leading companies, Market Positioning of companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks
Key companies profiled	Bondora Capital OU, CircleUp Network Inc., ConnectionPoint Systems Inc., Crowdfunder Ltd., Fundable LLC, Funding Circle Holdings Plc, Funding Options Ltd., Fundrise LLC, GoFundMe Inc., Indiegogo Inc., Invoice Interchange Pvt. Ltd., Kickstarter PBC, Kriya Finance Ltd., Lending Crowd, LendingClub Corp., OFB Tech Pvt. Ltd., RealCrowd Inc., Sancus Lending Group Ltd., Trade Ledger Pty. Ltd., and Upstart Network Inc.
Market dynamics	Parent market analysis, market growth and trends, Market forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period.
Customization purview	If our market research report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

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