The University of Cambridge, Monash Business School and Tsinghua University have launched the 2016-2017 Asia Pacific Alternative Finance Industry Survey with the support of twenty major industry associations across the region. This is the largest regional study to date focused on crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending and other forms of alternative finance. Opening on 15 February 2017, this benchmarking survey aims to capture the key trends, developments, size, transaction volume and growth as well as the impact of changing regulations on the alternative finance markets across Asia in 2016.

Last year’s inaugural report – Harnessing Potential – gathered survey data from 503 leading alternative finance platforms operating in 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions. The study informed policymakers and regulators of industry developments in Asia Pacific countries including Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Indonesia for example. The report estimated the total Asia Pacific online alternative finance market to have grown 323% year-on-year to reach US$102.81 billion in 2015. China was the world’s largest market by transaction volume, registering US$101.7 billion in 2015. Outside mainland China, the rest of the APAC region accrued US$1.12 billion in 2015 with a 313% year-on-year growth rate from the US$271.94 million raised in 2014. The findings of the survey will be made available in Q2 2017. This benchmarking study aims to inform policy-makers and regulators, facilitate dialogue and learning between industry associations and key stakeholders, raise the level of awareness about crowdfunding and P2P lending in startup, SME and social enterprise spheres and amongst the wider general public.

All crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending and other alternative financing platforms that are currently operating in the Asia Pacific region can access the industry survey. To view and complete the survey, please click here.