Embedded lending enables financial institutions to embed lending capabilities directly into a third-party's customer experience via APIs. Embedded lending enhances customer experience by simplifying and streamlining the borrowing process. By reducing application times and providing real-time decisions, embedded lending allows consumers to obtain credit or loans whenever and wherever they need access to funds. This improves financial inclusion.
The Global Embedded Lending Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6.35 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 20. % over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Embedded Lending are Affirm, Afterpay, Alchemy, Banxware, Biz2X, Finastra, Hokodo, Jaris, Kanmon, Klarna , Lendflow, Liberis, Migo, Sivo, Stripe, Inc., Tapwater, Turnkey Lender, and Zopa Bank Limited. These players are focusing on developing innovative embedded lending solutions and services to cater to the growing demand from consumers and businesses.
The demand for Embedded Lending Market Size solutions is growing due to the increasing demand for simplified and easy access to credit. Consumers are looking for digital financing options that can be accessed anytime from any device for both large and small-ticket purchases. This is driving the adoption of embedded lending models.
Technological advancements are also fueling the embedded lending market growth. Tools like AI, ML and advanced analytics are helping lenders streamline the underwriting process, thereby facilitating faster lending decisions. Developments in digital payment platforms, APIs and cloud infrastructure are further supporting the delivery of embedded lending experiences.
Market Trends
Growing partnerships between lenders and non-financial brands - Lenders are partnering with e-commerce platforms, marketplaces and other brands to offer credit solutions via their platforms. This is one of the top trends shaping the embedded lending market.
Rise of embedded credit card solutions - There is a trend of credit card networks launching custom API-driven embedded card programs. These allow partners to offer virtual or physical credit cards on their sites with customized spend controls and terms.
Market Opportunities
Emerging markets - Countries in Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa represent major opportunities for embedded lending solutions due to the growing internet and smartphone adoption in these regions.
SME lending - Embedded lending models are yet to make significant inroads into SME financing. This presents a major market opportunity considering the credit needs of small businesses worldwide.
Impact of COVID-19 on Embedded Lending Market
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the embedded lending market in early 2020. The nationwide lockdowns enforced across many countries led to business closures, reduced discretionary spending, and job losses. This had a cascading effect on lending activities as loan disbursements declined significantly during this period. However, the market has been recovering steadily since mid-2020 due to shifting consumer preferences towards digital lending. Contactless lending through embedded financing solutions saw increased adoption as they provided convenience and safety during the pandemic. The demand for such digital lending options is expected to remain robust even in the post-COVID era as customers have now gotten habituated to online lending processes. Lending institutions are also focusing on investing in digital transformation initiatives to provide enhanced embedded financing experiences to their customers. Going forward, the market is expected to witness high growth opportunities attributable to increased digitization of lending activities accelerated by the pandemic.
Geographical Regions in terms of Embedded Lending Market Value
In terms of value, North America dominates the embedded lending market currently, accounting for over 40% share globally. The high digital adoption rates, presence of key players, and large addressable consumer base make the US and Canada lucrative markets for embedded financing solutions. Europe is the second largest region, driven by countries such as the UK, Germany, and France. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for embedded lending over the past few years on account of their rapidly developing digital economies and rising middle-class populations. China, in particular, is estimated to be one of the most promising embedded financing hubs in APAC.
Fastest Growing Region for Embedded Lending Market
The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the embedded lending market during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. Expanding internet proliferation, the proliferation of mobile technology, increasing customer awareness about digital lending platforms, and growing disposable incomes of the middle class are some of the major factors fueling the demand for embedded financing solutions across APAC countries. China and India specifically are projected to lead the market growth in this region. Favorable government initiatives to promote financial inclusion through digital transformation of lending are further encouraging the adoption of embedded loan products among consumers as well as merchants in Asia Pacific. Overall, the market in APAC is poised to offer lucrative opportunities for embedded lenders going forward.
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