Rhydian Lewis joins Peer2Peer Finance Awards judging panel
Former RateSetter boss Rhydian Lewis has joined the Peer2Peer Finance Awards judging panel.
Lewis (pictured) was a peer-to-peer pioneer, establishing consumer lending platform RateSetter in 2010 and growing it to become one of the ‘big three’ platforms, alongside Zopa and Funding Circle.
In 2020, RateSetter was acquired by challenger bank Metro Bank, in a deal worth £12m.
Since then, the RateSetter brand has played a key role in growing Metro’s consumer lending business, helping to narrow the bank’s losses during the first half of 2022, with the bank’s consumer lending business exceeding £1bn for the first time.
During its first full year as a Metro Bank brand, RateSetter reached profitability for the first time, earning £4.1m during the 12 months to 31 December 2021.
Lewis said that as an independent judge for the Peer2Peer Finance Awards, he is most looking forward to seeing how P2P has developed in the last couple of years since RateSetter has left the sector.
“Responsibly-given credit matters in tough economic times as well as times of plenty,” he said.
He offered the following advice for nominees ahead of the 21 September deadline.
“Give a balanced view,” Lewis said. “It can be tempting to only talk about the opportunities but it is just as relevant to see how people manage challenges.”
Lewis joins Innovate Finance’s Janine Hirt on the judging panel. The judging process will begin after the nomination period ends tomorrow.
Nominations may still be made anonymously, and any applicants’ details will be kept confidential by the Peer2Peer Finance News team.
To nominate a platform, please fill out a nomination form by clicking here. Please fill out a separate nomination form for each award you are applying for.
Peer2Peer Finance News is hosting the very first dedicated awards event for the P2P lending industry on Tuesday 6 December at London’s Hurlingham Club.
Read more: Just one day left to have your say!