Microfinance P2P lending platform Microplace claiming increasingly high returns

Microplace, a peer-to-peer lending site focusing on the niche international microfinance market, is bucking the current downward financial trend and offering increasing rates of return for its lenders. A competitor to Kiva, Microplace (an Ebay company) offers a similar line about how small loans can make a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs in developing nations. By contrast, Microplace's loans are securitized, allowing its lenders to charge interest (set by the site) on their loans.

Microplace has claimed a progression of "average returns" since its foudning. The recent trend is impressive:

• September 2008: The Microplace blog claims "up to a 3% return"
• February 2009: The website's About section claims "a 5% return for everyday investors"
• Today: The front page of the website claims "up to a 6% return"