This news follows last week's announcement that Zopa won the coveted 'Oscars of the internet' award - the Webby - for Best Banking website. This is an international award, highlighting the impact Zopa is already having from its base in the UK, before it launches soon in other countries around the world.

Zopa is also delighted to announce today the appointment of former eBay UK Product Director Tanya Cordrey to an equivalent role at Zopa. Tanya's brief is to continue to develop and enhance Zopa's customer propositions, with work already underway towards further innovative and ground-breaking new product and service developments.

In the meantime, Zopa's members remain the biggest winners, as lenders can secure returns - paid to them every month - of up to 14% p.a. and borrowers can access loans with interest rates as low currently as 6.2% APR (£3000 borrowed over 3 years), with no early repayment penalty.

James Alexander, Co-founder and UK CEO said, "We're delighted to have passed the 150,000 member mark. There is no doubt that Zopa is working and working well for its Members. They have created a thriving marketplace that is giving them a better, fairer more transparent deal that is an alternative to the big banks whilst at the same time helping others. What is even more exciting is that as more and more people use Zopa, the better it gets for everyone."

"I'm thrilled that Tanya has chosen to join the Zopa team. Having played such a pivotal role in the development and success of eBay in the UK - including leading the global introduction of the 'Buy It Now' alternative - we're certain that she'll contribute to further improve Zopa for all of our Members"