Global consumer lending market led by North America

By 2013, the global consumer lending market has been forecast to have a market value of $32,748 billion, an increase of 19.1% since 2008.

Emerging markets are carrying the growth in consumer lending markets as the world's most developed markets struggle to regain their footing following the global financial crisis.

North America remains the largest consumer lending market, with an outstanding balance of US$14.5 trillion, followed by Western Europe at US$10.6 trillion.

However, these two markets have posted the slowest growth rate in outstanding balance since 2007. The most developed markets of the world have been hit hard due to a mortgage crisis that started in the US around that time.

Consumer finance companies primarily provide unsecured cash or payday loans. Some companies in the industry also offer automobile financing or sales financing (typically for furniture, jewelry, or appliances).

Consumer finance companies typically operate in the "subprime" portion of the market. Subprime borrowers may have a history of delinquent loan payments or no credit history, and often have low income and a higher debt-to-income ratio

Companies in this industry make unsecured cash loans to consumers. Major players currently dominating the global consumer lending market include Ace Cash Express, Advance America, Check 'n Go, Check Into Cash, and DFC Global (formerly Dollar Financial), which are all based in the US; other companies include Orient Corporation (Japan) and Tesco Personal Finance (UK).

For more information on the global consumer lending market, see the latest research: Global Consumer Lending Market

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