Fintech, especially digital lending, is one of the fastest growing sectors in every economy in the world. Itâs no surprise that everyone wants to dabble into digital lending as their first foray into the exciting and extremely innovative world of fintech.
But should you be a digital lender?
Before going into the specifics of being a digital lender, you must ask yourself why you’ve grown an interest. Is it the fear of missing out on a profitable opportunity? Are you considering it because it appears to be trendy? If your motivation isn’t built on a genuine interest in the lending business and ecosystem, you should reconsider your decision, as this article is certainly not for you.
According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months. While we may not have all the answers as to why businesses fail. We can 100% tell you that starting a business with the mindset of joining the bandwagon, without genuine interest, is a sure recipe for failure.
Now that weâve gotten that out of the way, let’s dig further into some of these key points every aspiring digital money lender must consider:
Target market
Who do I want to lend money to?
When considering digital lending, you must figure out who you plan to lend money to because it shapes the direction of your lending business. The more you know about your target market, the better you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs, create a customer-focused product, and make your business more appealing and competitive.
Also, consider that the market is not a single entity; itâs divided into several strata, each with its characteristics. For example, the mass market frequently has more risks but also has the potential for a higher profit margin. On the other hand, loans for the working class often carry lesser risks but have lower profit margins. Knowing this information is essential as you ponder if you have the qualities and resources required to succeed as a digital lender.
Competitive edge
Why should borrowers choose me over existing lenders?
It doesnât matter what someone else has told you; every business is a competitive market, and lending is no different.
You must ask yourself, “What sets me apart?” âWhat makes me different from other existing lenders in the market?â
Look closely at what distinguishes your service and why borrowers should choose you over other lenders. If your lending alternatives and services are identical to everyone else’s, your chance of getting noticed becomes minimal.
The lending industry can be considered overwhelmingly saturated, but if you can develop your unique approach to serving others, that’s when you’ll really shine.
Loan size and terms
What do I want to offer my customers?
You can choose how much you want to lend, whether it’s a small amount to support individuals in dire need (Small loans) or substantial financial amounts for bigger projects (SME loans). Your decision here will set the tone for the business model youâve opted for.
Consider the loan product’s terms, interest rates, associated fees, and repayment period (tenure). Think about what number of people you want to lend to in a stipulated time frame (per annum, per month etc.), as this will affect your earning margins and the overall growth of your lending business.
Capital
Where do I plan on getting capital for my business?
Like every other business model, youâll need a significant amount of money to start, meaning you canât just wish money into existence.
Before you take the first step, you must decide whether you will seek financial backing through a loan or through equity, AKA money stashed up somewhere to serve as capital. Your available capital is a determinant of your lending capacity and the expected inflow of profit. Itâs, therefore, a big necessity to carefully plan for what available financing methods youâd be opting for without negatively impacting your personal budget.
Tech-savvy
How digitally inclined is my target market?
People have always said, âThe world is a global village.â Theyâre right, of course. But now, the world is becoming a highly technologically-inclined global village.
Remember, you’re aiming to start lending digitally, so your potential consumers’ preferences have to be kept in mind. Do they feel at ease with technology and online transactions? This is important to note because your success as a digital lender heavily depends on whether or not your target market is digitally aware.
Not to mention, relying on traditional lending methods is quite unimaginable if you want to reach a large and diverse customer base, as seen in the mass market. The sheer size of a mass market necessitates the competence and accessibility of digital lending.
Visibility
How will I get discovered?
To succeed as a digital lender, your strategies for connecting with your desired customers must come into play. Ergo, devising clear-cut plans for getting noticed through online and offline media.
Online, you can leverage ads to reach potential borrowers. Offline, you can consider using traditional methods such as flyers in locations where your target audience frequently gathers, catchy jingles on the radio, and SMS messages to reach out to individuals directly. By combining several approaches, you can create a strategy that brings your lending services to the forefront, ensuring you’re accessible to those needing your services.
Building a team
Do I need a team to handle the operations of my lending business?
Running a digital lending business is not a one-person show because of the enormous workload and intricacy. Even if the venture is small, you must establish a dedicated team to navigate the industry successfully.
To begin with, you need individuals who can interact with customers, resolve their queries, and guide them through the lending process. A well-rounded team must handle day-to-day operations, from funds management to advertising your services, addressing customer concerns and making informed lending decisions to ensure standards are followed.
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Licensure and certification
What licenses do I need to lend?
Getting a license for your business is necessary as it allows you to legally operate in the market. These licenses serve as proof of your authenticity and credibility.
For digital lending, obtaining a money lender license is vital. It lets you provide financial services digitally, such as offering loans through online platforms. However, suppose you plan to take your lending business to the next level by incorporating mobile and web apps for a smoother and more user-friendly experience; you’ll also need a Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) license. The FCCPC license is particularly important when it comes to regulating your business’s practices and ensuring the protection of consumers. Read more on what licenses you need to lend.
Branding
What do I want my lending business to be known for?
Good branding is arguably one of the most important things when it comes to ensuring the success of your business. A brand for a business is like a reputation for a person, and you earn a reputation by trying to do hard things well.
You must first create a distinct identity for your lending business. This identity is more than a logo or a name; It’s how you present your services, the values you uphold, and the overall image you project to your target market.
When your branding aligns with the values of your target market, it creates a memorable and consistent image and fosters a strong connection. This connection is a determining factor that convinces potential borrowers to choose your services above others.
Availability and time options
How much time will I devote to my lending business?
Consider how much time you are willing to devote to your business. Are you planning to give all your working hours to it full-time, or do you have other obligations and want to pursue it part-time?
If you intend to form a team, will they be given the choice of time availability? Will they be balancing loan responsibilities in addition to other obligations? Having a full grasp of everyone’s time availability is essential to properly coordinate overall efforts. It can also help you optimize your operations and help you make the most of the time.
The RIGHT Tech
Where can I get the RIGHT Technology?
In the digital lending ecosystem, having the proper technology at your disposal is like holding powerful ammunition on the battlefield. The RIGHT Tech allows you to handle every step of the loan procedure smoothly, from the time of application until the time of repayment.
That’s where we come in, ready to offer you an advanced loan management system to fully automate your lending processes. With unlimited access to reliable and ethically sourced data, risk assessment tools and decision models, we help you make smart and informed lending decisions from every loan origination to collection.
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At Lendsqr, we want you to succeed as a digital lender by offering the affordable technology you need to scale. You can be at the forefront of the business with our help, reaching millions with ease, speed, and confidence. It’s not just about lending; it’s about impacting lives and ensuring a profitable future for your business and customers.
