2016 could be the alternative finance industry’s first net negative year according to AltFi; uncertainty in capital investment was a substantial factor for the first time causing a renewed focus on retail investment; CEO turnover has been a significant factor with Renaud Laplanche’s resignation a catalyst for decreased investor confidence; regulators have also caused market uncertainty with new regulations potentially adding compliance burdens for alternative finance businesses; macroeconomic factors including Brexit and the US presidential election have also increased pressure on alternative finance; despite hardships, sentiment for 2017 is mostly positive with 2016 seen as only a temporary retrenchment. Source
