Lending in 2025: AI, Automation, and Rising Borrower Demand Reshape Global Credit Markets

By Krima Shah

On Aug 7, 2025

45 Comments

Global lending is undergoing a dynamic transformation in 2025, reshaped by a unique convergence of rising credit demand, stabilizing interest rates, and accelerated digital innovation. As economies rebound post-disruption and investor confidence strengthens, financial institutions are reimagining how they serve individuals and businesses—driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and open finance frameworks.

From residential mortgages and consumer credit to large-scale commercial financing, the lending ecosystem is becoming more agile, inclusive, and tech-first. And this shift is not just about volume—it’s about value, strategy, and experience.

Let’s explore the trends defining this evolution.


Residential Lending Rebounds with Renewed Confidence

After a period of volatility, the housing and mortgage markets are bouncing back with vigor. In 2025, mortgage lending for new home purchases is projected to grow by 13.3%, reflecting improved affordability and stronger buyer confidence. This uptick is particularly noticeable in urban and suburban markets where stabilized interest rates have reignited home-buying aspirations.

India stands out as a key player, where real estate continues to be a preferred long-term asset class. Rising urbanization, improved income levels, and supportive policies like the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) are propelling ownership across both middle-income and upper-income segments.

In cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, new residential project launches are increasing, while Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) are offering innovative mortgage products, including step-up EMIs and flexible repayment options. This helps attract both first-time buyers and property investors looking to diversify their portfolios.


Consumer Credit Expands—But Borrowers Are Getting Smarter

Despite inflationary pressures, consumer borrowing remains on an upward path in 2025. Key growth areas include:

  • Unsecured personal loans: up by 5.7%.
  • Auto loans: up by 2.7%.

The surge in personal loans is fueled by rising expenses and increasing comfort with digital lending platforms. Whether it's for weddings, education, travel, or home upgrades, borrowers are turning to both banks and fintech players for quick, paperless financing options.

However, the cost of borrowing is rising steadily. According to Bankrate, the average five-year new car loan rate may hit 7.0%, while four-year used car loan rates could reach 7.75%. Add to that higher vehicle insurance premiums and maintenance costs, and consumers are now making more calculated financial decisions.

Borrowers today are far more informed. Thanks to comparison platforms, credit awareness apps, and real-time eligibility checks, they are evaluating not just interest rates but also processing fees, prepayment clauses, and digital servicing quality before choosing a lender.


Commercial Lending Set to Hit $583 Billion in 2025

The commercial and multifamily real estate lending sector is witnessing substantial growth. Total commercial lending is projected to reach $583 billion, a 16% year-on-year increase.

This growth is supported by a global push for modern infrastructure, urban redevelopment, and the rise of smart cities. Developers are seeking financing for high-efficiency office spaces, co-living ecosystems, and hybrid retail-commercial hubs that cater to evolving consumer and workplace needs.

In India and across Asia, one of the key players supporting this transformation is Victors Group Global Consultancy. Headquartered in India with a cross-border client base in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Victors Group has emerged as a trusted name in project finance, real estate advisory, and corporate funding.

Whether it’s structuring debt for a logistics park in Dubai, funding a healthcare chain in Nairobi, or enabling green building finance in Mumbai, Victors Group helps institutions and developers navigate complex financing landscapes with confidence.

To explore their services, visit www.victorsgroup.in.


Technology at the Core of Lending Transformation

The real game-changer in 2025? Technology.

Banks, NBFCs, and fintechs are integrating advanced digital tools into every layer of the lending process. What used to take weeks—credit checks, loan approvals, document verification—can now be done in a matter of hours, thanks to intelligent automation.

Key innovations leading the charge include:

1. AI-Powered Credit Scoring

Traditional credit scores are now being supplemented—or even replaced—by AI-driven models that consider broader behavioral and transactional data. This includes digital payment history, GST data, e-commerce activity, and even psychometric assessments in some cases. The result? Faster and more inclusive loan decisions.

2. Automated Loan Processing

Lenders are deploying Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to eliminate manual bottlenecks, reduce human error, and accelerate turnaround times. Loan underwriting, KYC checks, and documentation are increasingly handled by bots and smart systems.

3. Smart Compliance & Regulatory Tech

With ever-evolving regulatory frameworks, institutions are embracing RegTech—technology designed to streamline compliance. AI tools are helping detect fraud, monitor transactions, and ensure lenders remain audit-ready in real time.

4. Open Finance Infrastructure

The shift toward open banking and open finance is breaking down data silos. With customer consent, lenders can access unified financial data across banks, investment platforms, and insurance providers—creating a 360° view of borrower profiles. This not only improves lending decisions but also enhances personalization.

Victors Group is actively advising traditional and digital lenders on how to implement scalable, secure, and inclusive lending ecosystems—from cloud-native loan origination systems to AI-based risk management frameworks.


Lending in 2025 is no longer just about offering money—it’s about delivering value.

For lenders, it means staying ahead with cutting-edge technology, robust risk models, and customer-first digital experiences. For borrowers, it means choosing partners who not only offer credit but also understand their financial journey.

Financial advisory is playing a bigger role than ever. Individuals are seeking guidance on optimal loan structures, tax efficiency, and credit management. Enterprises, on the other hand, want strategic financing partners who can assist with everything from fundraising to mergers and acquisitions.

With its broad service offerings, Victors Group is well-positioned to support this transition. From structuring project loans to advising on green finance and digital lending transformations, their role as a strategic enabler is helping institutions grow responsibly in an increasingly competitive market.


Final Thoughts

2025 is proving to be a pivotal year for the global lending industry. What we’re witnessing is more than just a recovery—it’s a reinvention. As AI, automation, and open finance continue to evolve, the credit landscape is becoming more inclusive, faster, and smarter.

But with innovation comes responsibility. Lenders must balance speed with prudence, automation with human empathy, and risk with opportunity.

Whether you're a homebuyer exploring flexible mortgages, a startup raising venture debt, or a real estate developer eyeing international expansion—n avigating this new credit landscape requires insight, agility, and the right advisory partner.

To explore tailored financial solutions and lending advisory services,
Visit:- victorsgroup.in