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Gender gap in online institutional lending

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  • Gai, Qingen
  • Ge, Yun
  • Li, Chengzheng
  • Ma, Xiang

Abstract

By analyzing proprietary internal data from a leading online microfinance company in China, we find that loans issued to female borrowers exhibit significantly lower risk. Specifically, these loans demonstrate a reduced probability of default and overdue, and female borrowers are less likely to engage in strategic delinquency. Moreover, loans to women display superior performance overall, characterized by higher expected profitability and lower expected losses. Although female borrowers tend to apply for larger loan amounts and ultimately borrow slightly more than males, their loan fulfillment ratio (i.e., loan satisfaction) is comparatively lower. Additionally, our analysis reveals a gender gap in algorithmic auditing, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gai, Qingen & Ge, Yun & Li, Chengzheng & Ma, Xiang, 2026. "Gender gap in online institutional lending," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:99:y:2026:i:c:s0927538x26001976
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2026.103251
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