Oliver: I do wonder if it'd be possible to have some sort of insurance on these loans. If the Kiva default rates are what they claim (which the skeptic in me does question), the costs for doing this would be minimal. I also wonder if Kiva charges the NGOs/FPs interest. If so, we're not seeing any of it. If they did, the interest could easily cover whatever insurance coverage people might elect to take.

I just looked at that US loan you posted. Sadly, she'll probably make far more as a bartender than she will with the Mary Kay stuff. I have a few friends and family who are bartenders and they don't own Gulfstreams, but they certainly aren't hurting either.

On the US loans, I worry about the size and length of some of the loans. This one disturbs me: http://www.kiva.org/lend/984708 $6800 (~$5800 backing out interest) for a new AC in Deltona, Florida? I seriously question this -- it should only cost ~$2k-3k for a change-out in Deltona. I also question the borrow's ability to repay. Chances are they have a mortgage and car loan to pay as well. Will they be able to afford the extra $120/month? For that matter, will Kiva still be around in 5 years? I sympathize for her, but can't help but feel she's getting taken by all parties involved.