GlobeSt<\/a> published an article exploring the broad based acceptance of marketplace lending in the borrowing community. One industry insider remarked, \u201cOnce a novelty, they are now an established capital source and are compared favorably against crowdfunding platforms and traditional lenders.\u201d Marketplace lending is becoming more niche as well. Some newer entrants to the industry specialize in commercial real estate loans.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n National Mortgage News<\/a> wrote about the \u201cera of self-service online mortgages.\u201d The author makes an interesting point \u201cthat humans may be more biased than algorithms.\u201d Additionally, the cost structure of a traditional bank makes smaller customers less attractive. This segment of the market is where marketplace lending can deliver solutions.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Crowdfund Insider<\/a> discussed the changes to the marketplace lending industry in 2016. Marketplace lending insider Ram Ahluwalia remarked ,\u201dyear over year originations are still up across the industry.\u201d The future of P2P lending will likely include greater institutional business to supplement the retail segment.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Value Walk<\/a> identified the problem of diminishing dividend returns and low bond yields. The author posits that marketplace lending may serve to \u201cearn 7% returns in a 2.5% world.\u201d The future is promising as evidenced by the fact that \u201cIn 2016, P2P investors earned net annualized returns north of 7%.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n