The blockchain data storage network has raised $200 million from accredited investors despite having technology issues during the ICO; the funding is in addition to $52 million in pre-sold tokens to investors Sequoia Capital, Andreesen Horowitz and Union Square Ventures. Source
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In 2016 the online consumer lenders had an unexpected downturn; platforms experienced a capital markets crunch as well as concerns over credit quality; this panel with some of the largest consumer online lenders explores their expected growth going forward; despite the pullback, the major lenders continued to underwrite a significant amount of loans and believe growth for their businesses will return albeit in a more measured way; panelists discuss changing platform strategies and the focus on profitability. Source
Lawmakers have long been arguing that the regulations enacted after the financial crisis have hurt the bank's lending business; Greg Lyons, a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton law firm, tells American Banker: "It's not the kind of issue that lends itself to crisp, absolute answers, unfortunately, it's a more amorphous and an ideological view as much as anything else. There's not necessarily a right or wrong answer. It depends on what your objectives are."; in a recent survey of small businesses by the New York Fed only 8% said credit was too expensive/hard to find and 47% said there is sufficient credit in the market; the area most affected by regulations is that of borrowers with less than perfect credit, this market has been hampered by the capital ratio requirements; while certain areas of the market have felt the regulatory burden, overall businesses are able to find the credit they need; the argument will surely continue as policymakers look to ease the most stringent rules. Source