FinTech Credit Flashcards
What is FinTech Credit?
Alternative credit provision through platforms like peer-to-peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. Facilitates direct connections between lenders and borrowers, bypassing traditional banks.
What are the primary benefits of FinTech Credit?
Increases access to credit for individuals and small businesses. Offers potentially higher returns for lenders compared to traditional savings. Enables faster and more flexible credit solutions.
How does FinTech Credit differ from traditional banking credit models?
Operates without intermediaries such as banks. Uses data-driven algorithms for credit assessments. Reduces administrative costs and enhances efficiency.
What does the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) regulate in FinTech Credit?
Part 4A: Authorisation requirements for P2P and crowdfunding platforms. Part 5: Mandates transparency and market conduct rules for regulated entities.
What are the Peer-to-Peer Lending and Crowdfunding Regulations 2014?
Directly regulate P2P lending and crowdfunding platforms. Require risk disclosures to investors and segregation of client funds.
How does GDPR apply to FinTech Credit platforms?
Article 5: Enforces transparency and fairness in handling personal data. Article 25: Requires platforms to implement privacy safeguards by design.
What was established in Re UK Bond Network (2019)?
Facts: Breach of FSMA due to inadequate risk disclosure. Ruling: Platforms must clearly inform investors of associated risks. Impact: Highlighted the importance of compliance with disclosure obligations.
What precedent was set by FCA v Funding Circle (2017)?
Facts: Insufficient credit checks led to defaults and investor losses. Ruling: Platforms must conduct robust due diligence on borrowers. Impact: Enhanced regulatory oversight of borrower assessments.
What is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending?
A platform model where individual lenders directly fund borrowers. Platforms act as intermediaries but do not bear credit risk.
What is Crowdfunding in the context of FinTech Credit?
Platforms enable businesses to raise capital from multiple investors. Can involve equity crowdfunding or debt-based crowdfunding.
What consumer protections are mandated for FinTech Credit platforms?
Clear risk disclosures for investors. Segregation of client funds to ensure security in case of platform failure. Transparent fee structures and creditworthiness assessments.
What are the risks associated with P2P lending?
Higher likelihood of borrower default. Lack of deposit protection compared to traditional banking. Platform stability and security concerns.
What challenges arise with crowdfunding platforms?
Illiquidity of investments, making it hard to exit early. Dependence on the success of early-stage companies for returns. Potential for misleading marketing practices.
What does Cranston argue about FinTech Credit platforms?
While offering alternative credit, platforms are vulnerable to systemic risks. Emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory oversight.
What critique does Amao offer regarding FinTech Credit?
Light-touch regulation can lead to exploitation of inexperienced investors. Calls for clearer regulatory guidelines and enforcement to protect consumers.
Why is transparency critical in FinTech Credit?
Builds trust between platforms, lenders, and borrowers. Ensures informed decision-making for investors. Mitigates the risk of fraud and misrepresentation.
How do FinTech Credit platforms ensure consumer protection?
Providing clear terms and conditions. Performing due diligence on borrowers. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
What role does the FCA play in regulating FinTech Credit?
Monitors compliance with FSMA and specific P2P regulations. Imposes sanctions for breaches of transparency or consumer protection standards.
What is the purpose of the regulatory sandbox for FinTech Credit?
Allows platforms to test new credit models under FCA supervision. Encourages innovation while maintaining consumer protection.
How do FinTech Credit platforms use data for credit assessment?
Leverage alternative data sources like social media or transaction histories. Use AI algorithms to predict borrower creditworthiness. Enhance efficiency in loan approvals.
What are the risks of relying on algorithmic credit assessments?
Potential for bias in data-driven models. Lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Vulnerability to inaccuracies if data quality is poor.
How does FinTech Credit enhance access to capital?
Provides credit to underserved populations and SMEs. Eliminates traditional barriers like lengthy approval processes. Expands investment opportunities for retail investors.
What advantages do investors gain from FinTech Credit?
Higher potential returns compared to traditional savings accounts. Direct participation in funding projects or loans. Diversification opportunities through varied lending portfolios.
What systemic risks are associated with FinTech Credit?
Increased exposure to platform failures. Dependence on third-party technologies and data sources. Potential for market disruption due to unregulated growth.