Australians are using P2P loans to consolidate debt
New data from P2P lender RateSetter shows an average loan of $20,666. Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, while having first been introduced in 2012, is still a new concept to many Australians. However, the idea seems to be catching on. The P2P lending space is becoming more competitive, with new lenders being announced all the time, and more Australians are starting to take advantage of the competitive rates on offer. According to new data, these rates are being utilised by borrowers looking to reduce the interest they’re paying on current debts. P2P lender RateSetter has released an update of its loan book data, which contains details of every loan originated since 2014. Previous […]
Blockchain report: Where are we now, and where are we going?
A report by international law firm Allens investigates the use cases for blockchain and where the technology is now. International law firm Allens, which has offices in Australia and Asia, has released a detailed report investigating the attributes, problems and possible use cases for blockchain. The report’s lead authors say blockchain first got on Allens’ radar in 2012 due to a junior lawyer’s penchant for blockchain, and the fascination stemmed from there. “We’ve seen distributed ledger technology move out of the lab and onto the C-suite agenda of our clients, from startups to multinational giants with centuries of transactions behind them,” they said. While perspectives are many and varied, the […]
Fintech SME lender GetCapital heads to New Zealand
The Australian lender is now able to service New Zealand SMEs through a Lending as a Service partnership. GetCapital, a leading Australian fintech lender that specialises in small- to medium-sized businesses, is expanding internationally through a strategic partnership. The partnership with New Zealand lender Avanti Finance will see the licensing of GetCapital’s technology and underwriting via a Lending as a Service (LaaS) model. This is believed to be a first for an Australian lender. GetCapital‘s CEO Jamie Osborn said expanding into the New Zealand market was the next logical step. “With the large number of SMEs in New Zealand facing the same challenges as the Australian market, we are excited […]
Why the parliamentary inquiry was good for fintech
Discussion of data sharing, small business loan rates and investment troubles spell increased opportunities for fintech. The parliamentary inquiry into banks saw CEOs of the Big Four – Westpac, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank – grilled about a range of issues pertaining to their bank’s conduct. While the line of questioning taken by House of Representative economics committee did not directly relate to fintech, the answers and defences at the four inquiries reveal several interesting points that relate to the fintech sector, for both banks and fintech companies. Data sharing Westpac and NAB were questioned over the sharing of customer data in order to increase competition. This is a key […]
6 Things You Should Do to Avoid Fake Bitcoin Wallet App Scams
It is now apparent that a fake wallet app is the newest Bitcoin theft risk you should score. You’ve probably heard that Apple Store and Google Play have very stringent app review processes. That they only allow apps that won’t harm you to access through their platforms. If that gave you a sense of security, I am sorry to tell you it is a false one. Members of the bitcoin community have just discovered about eight fake bitcoin wallet apps in the Apple Store. They were all imitations of some the most used Bitcoin wallet apps, including Coinbase, BreadWallet, BitGo, Armory and Green Address. If you, unfortunately, happened to download […]
Class releases SMSFs benchmark report for June 2016
The developer of Class Super and Class Portfolio has now released its June 2016 SMSFs report, publishing an overview of data about SMSFs and administrators and analysis of smaller balance funds. The report analysed statically 110,000 plus Self Managed Super Funds, which is administrated by Class Super, that represents 19.2% of the estimated 577,236 in Australia today. The data used is compiled using a selection of de-identified data extracted from across the Class Super user base. Class CEO, Kevin Bungard, commented that the first SMSF Benchmark Report published last quarter was “extremely well received across the industry” and includes informative analysis of lower balance funds was “an informative exercise, with […]
New FinTech Uno Home Loans lands a $16.5 million investment from Westpac
New Australian FinTech company ‘Uno’ has landed a $16.5 million investment from Westpac after its success in the digital mortgage service in the past few months. The major bank investment is set to expand the company even further as customers are discovering the benefits of having a greater power in the home loan search process. Chief Strategy Officer at Westpac, Gary Thursby, said “uno’s success has been impressive and we’re seeing its potential to become a serious player in the home loan market”. Westpac has been involved with uno since the concept phase and Mr Thursby is pleased to announce the investment where Westpac will be a strategic investor at […]
Australia gets its first listed fintech investment fund – H2Ocean
H2Ocean is seeking to raise at least $22,500,000 to focus on developing an early and growth stage venture capital portfolio. H2 Ventures, a dedicated accelerator and fintech investment firm, has launched H2Ocean, Australia’s first listed venture company. H2 Ventures, which also happens to be Australia’s first dedicated fintech accelerator, is already very active in the fintech space but aims to expand this with its latest venture. Co-founders Ben and Tony Heap aim to raise between $22,500,000 and $55,000,000 to deliver capital growth to investors and provide an investment alternative to traditional equities through a diversified portfolio. “H2Ocean Shareholders will gain investment exposure to early and growth stage Fintech Ventures that […]
