I've been scouring all the U.S.-based lending websites I can find in search of an alternative to Lending Club and Prosper.
So far, every platform I've found will only cater to accredited investors and institutions. Are there really just two options in the U.S. for us small time retail folk?
Part of the issue is that SEC isn't approving S-1 filings for this business model I believe. No doubt registration and legal proceedings are onerous. And despite LC going public, blue sky laws aren't so easily bypassed - people in Texas still can't invest directly on platform.
However, I believe you will see real estate platforms to start adopting Regulation A+ which may be a better option to offer non-accredited investors access to debt opportunities. Certainly it is on our menu in the future.
An interesting approach is taken up by
https://www.groundfloor.us/Good luck.
I agree with you rawraw - specially the past year or so way too much exuberance. People aren't risk mitigating enough. Chasing yield instead of controlling risk.
One to try is Kickfurther
http://kickfurther.com/s/bvy454dcnd is a referral link; use it and you get $5.00 to invest. You can read more about it on my blog at
http://racingtowardretirement.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-product-kickfurthercom.html
Fred, was mentioned in several places. One source I retrieved quickly via Google
http://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2014/09/49573-bondora-sees-opportunity-european-peer-peer-lending-market/If you want formal confirmation, write to the CEO
Kickfurther allows anyone over 18 to invest along with others in business inventory for established businesses that have sourced and sold this class of inventory in the past.
The returns are usually 15-35% annualized and the performance over the first year has been impressive.
This link will give you $10 free and you can back your first company for only $20
http://kickfurther.com/dswCheck out the press for more info
http://kickfurther.com/press