I would think its the credit unions (who are solvent and have real money to lend) competing with Banks (who are technically insolvent).
The offer is no harm if its sent to everyone , both the CU when they look at a request and customer can filter it.
Advertizing does not mean customer must take it ,nor does it mean CU must lend it.
Better the CU doing business than Credit Card or Moneylender hits.
In general CU,s continue to act in our interests.
I think you can lend to 16 year olds , the problem is if they don,t repay, you can,t take enforcement action.