Goldman Sachs’ move into consumer lending may seem like a bit of a departure for the investment banking giant. But CEO Lloyd Blankfein says its expertise in fintech makes the business a good fit. “If you are lending money to 5 million people, it’s a little bit more math, a little bit more algorithmic, a little bit more about digital delivery,” the executive told Cheddar. “And in this new world that we’ve entered into, to be a good consumer lender, it’s advantageous not to have legacy assets like branches, to have lower costs, and to be able to engage with your client and offer them flexible products digitally, and then to manage that with skills that everybody recognizes we have.” The company launched “Marcus by Goldman Sachs”, a digital consumer loan platform, in October 2016. Through November, the business had already issued $2 billion in loans. Blankfein says Goldman Sachs offers an advantage competitors can’t. “We already have deposit taking where we give a very high interest rate, because you don’t have to pay for branches,” he said. “And the consumer business, where we’re certainly charging people a lot less than what they’re paying on their credit card balances. So it’s good for the consumer, good for Goldman Sachs, and probably good for the country.” Blankfein says the business will “move the needle for Goldman Sachs.” For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/goldman-sachs-ceo-lloyd-blankfein-weighs-in-on-market-volatility-crypto-and-trump).

Share:
More In Business
Hung Up for Good: FCC Bans AI-Generated Robocall Voices
The Federal Communications Commission knows (to loosely quote Drake) "when that [AI robocall] hotline bling, that can only mean one thing" — deception. The agency says bad actors have been using these voices to misinform voters.
Disney’s Entertainment Takeover
David Stryzewski, CEO of Sound Planning Group, breaks down Disney’s latest results, from adding Taylor Swift to building out ESPN, and why Bob Iger’s leadership is crucial.
Coke Announces New Raspberry-Flavored Coca-Cola Spiced
From Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to Sweet Heat Starburst, America’s snacks are getting spicier. Now, Coca-Cola wants in on the trend. The beverage giant introduced Coca-Cola Spiced, the first new permanent offering to its North American portfolio in three years.
Load More