Customer count or profitability: which is more important for a lender?
For lenders, growth often brings a key dilemma: should the focus be on increasing customer count or maximizing profitability? While attracting more borrowers can boost market presence and long-term opportunities, it can also strain resources and increase risk if not managed carefully. On the other hand, prioritizing profitability ensures sustainable operations but may limit market share and growth potential. Striking the right balance between these two objectives is crucial for building a lending business that is both competitive and financially resilient.
How to get started as a lender in South Africa
Thabo noticed a troubling pattern in his community. People were stuck in a relentless cycle of debt, borrowing from mashonisas (Local name for unregistered lenders) ) at crippling interest rates. Despite their sky-high fees, the residents had little choice. Formal credit options were scarce, and when cash ran low, shady lenders seemed to be the […]
Kenya’s licensing of 42 new digital lenders and what it means for credit markets in Africa
Kenya’s licensing of 42 new digital lenders signals a major shift in how credit markets across Africa are evolving. By bringing more players into a regulated framework, the move aims to improve transparency, protect borrowers, and expand access to formal credit. But it also raises important questions about competition, risk management, and market saturation. For lenders across the continent, this development offers both a blueprint for regulation and a reminder that sustainable growth depends not just on scale, but on trust, compliance, and responsible lending practices.