American banking giant Goldman Sachs is planning to venture into consumer lending business by launching a digital banking division.

The new consumer lending unit will offer loans to small businesses and ordinary American consumers, broadening its clientele from its blue-chip base.

The new unit will function as a virtual bank, catering to customers through a website or a mobile app. The bank hopes to offer its first loan in 2016.

In an internal memo reviewed by AFP, the bank said: "The traditional means by which financial services are delivered to consumers and small businesses is being fundamentally re-shaped by advances in technology, maturity of digital channels, use of data and analytics and a focus on customer experience.

"Today, we see an opportunity to leverage our competencies in technology and risk management to capture this opportunity at accretive returns and without the burdens of legacy costs and fixed infrastructure."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.