Most changes and discussion around Prosper.com in May related to the impact of the changes Prosper did to the State Lending Limits on May 1st. While Prosper lending is nearly nationally available (46 of 50 stats) it is regulated based on state laws. Since the launch of Prosper several parameters differ depending on the state the borrower is living in:
- Maximum interest rate: In states without severe restrictions borrowers can offer up to 30 percent interest rate. Other states are capped to much lower rates (e.g. Pennsylvania allows 6% maximum)
- Maximum loan amount. Prosper usually allows borrowing up to $25000. In some states lower amount maximums are imposed (e.g. Vermont – $4000).
- You might not believe it but even the minimum loan amount is regulated in some states. In Georgia loans through Prosper must have amounts of at least $3001. Borrowers can deal with this, by borrowing the minimum and directly repaying the unneeded surplus.
- Further differences existregarding Late Fees and Failed payment fees
While most users were unsatisfied they had over time accustomed themselves fairly to the situation. Main impact was that in states with low rate caps nearly no loans were founded.
This by state table shows the concentration of funded loans on few states like California, Georgia and Texas while other populous states like Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Ohio und Kentucky saw only a handful of successful loans.
But progress was made. Prosper succeeded in gaining licences for states, allowing higher maximum interest rates in these states.
On May 1st Prosper conducted many changes. For the first time maximum interest rates sank in some states, e.g. in Texas from previously 30 percent to 10 percent. In other states loans for personal purposes are no longer available. Changes apply to all new listings.
The rules got more complicated, since for some states:
- different rules for private and business loans were introduced
- maximum loan rates are different depending on loan amount
- APR is used to determine maximum interest rate, while in other states nominal interest rate is used.
Prosper did not disclose the reasons that led to these changes but explained:
All of the changes being made to our rate and loan amount limits are being made by Prosper on our own accord and are not being mandated by any state or federal regulatory authority. Prosper, like any other state-based lender, must make its own legal analysis and determination as to how various state regulations should be (or will be) interpreted, and establish state-by-state rate and loan amount limits accordingly.
Many users found the changes unsatisfactory. Group leaders that concentrated on impacted states complained that prosper made their business impossible. There were discussions how a business loan is defined and how Prosper will validate if the loan is used for business purposes. (Answer: If the borrower has written in his listing that the loan is for business purposes then it is, there is no validation). There was even speculation, if Prosper knowingly violated Texas state law.
A small number of lenders rallies for lobbying to influence state legislation. Others argue Prosper should obtain a  national licence based on federal law.
Zopa has announced it will launch national in the US.
Whether caused by this changes, the high default rates or other reasons: the growth of the count of recentlöy active lenders did slack in the last weeks. While new lenders enter the chart indicates, that numerous lenders stopped reinvesting and are withdrawing.