Peer to Peer (p2p) Lending in Japan

Several companies are entering the market in Japan to offer p2p lending services.

Japan has securities regulation that is similar to the US, which provides a substantial barrier to entry into the marketplace.

Two providers of p2p services have made it through the hurdles and two more are online to launch soon.

Maneo, which launched in October 2008, offers unsecured peer-to-peer loans. The guaranteed loan “G-Loan” product is providing lenders with a guaranteed 1.5% interest rate, substantially greater than the average .25% savings account interest. Other loans are fixed at 7, 8, 9.5, 11 and 12%.

Another option for lenders who know one another is Aqush Tomo, which provides loan documentation and servicing, but doesn’t actually do the banking parts of the transaction. These loan documentation and payment reminder services are available similar to Lending Karma.

Two other well-known p2p players, Prosper and Zopa are planning expansion into Japan, but are not yet online.

Jessica Ward is a freelance writer and blogger who writes on personal finance among other things. She also blogs at www.pennywisefamily.blogspot.com.

Maneo becomes first p2p lending platform in Japan

The past few days have been exciting for peer to peer lending - Loanio opened, Zopa closed, Lending Club emerged from their quiet period and Prosper halted lending. There is also big news overseas - Maneo launched the first peer to peer lending platform in Japan.


Over a year ago, Prosper announced plans to expand to Japan. There has been no news from Prosper since. Now that Prosper has entered a quiet period and is distracted with SEC regulations in the U.S., it is unlikely we will hear anything more about Prosper's planned expansion to Japan for some time.

Maneo is actually a play on the English words money and new. Maneo's CEO Tadatoshi Senoo said the platform has been in development since August 2006. Like the United States, Japan has extensive regulatory hurdles which had to be overcome.

Here are details about Maneo from their press release:

How to use maneo's social lending service

After initially registering as a member with maneo, borrowers and lenders can utilize maneo's social networking service. Registered members can easily and effectively communicate with other members utilizing "mane blog," "maneo message," and "mane tomo."

Creating an auction

People who want to borrow on maneo create loan listings explaining how much they desire, why they want to borrow and the maximum interest rate they are willing to pay lenders. Potential lenders select the loan listings they are interested in and bid on these loans. maneo connects borrowers with lenders through an auction process in which the lender willing to provide the lowest interest rate "wins" the borrower's loan.

Member requirements

Members must be between 20-65 years old and reside in Japan.

Borrower requirements

Borrowers must be between 20-60 years old and have annual income of at least 3 million yen. Borrowers must also successfully pass maneo's credit check and submit the following documentation: proof of identity and annual income.

Lender requirements

Lenders must be between 20-65 years old. Lenders must also successfully pass maneo's review process and submit proof of identity.