Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending in Belgium – Top 5 Platforms 2023

If you’re a Belgian investor interested in P2P investing, you’ll want to know the top platforms currently available. Look no further, as we’ve compiled a list of the best peer-to-peer lending platforms in Belgium:

Best local platforms for peer-to-peer lending in Belgium

Belgium is home to a plethora of P2P lending platforms that cater to a variety of lending needs, including small business loans and personal loans. Here are some of the top P2P lending platforms in Belgium:

Edebex
Ecco Nova
Look&Fin
WinWinner
Mozzeno
Spreds
Bolero

History of peer-to-peer lending in Belgium

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in Belgium has been steadily growing over the past few years, but the market is still relatively small compared to other European countries. The concept of P2P lending started gaining traction in Belgium around the early 2010s, following the global financial crisis in 2008. The crisis led to a decline in traditional bank lending to small businesses, which created an opportunity for alternative lending platforms to emerge.

The first P2P lending platform in Belgium was Look&Fin, which was launched in 2012. Look&Fin initially focused on lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Belgium, later expanding to France and Luxembourg. The Belgian P2P lending market has since grown, with other platforms such as Mozzeno, EccoNova, and Spreds joining the scene.

Over time, P2P lending in Belgium has evolved to include a variety of loan types, including consumer loans, business loans, and real estate loans. The market has also seen increased interest from institutional investors, who have been attracted to the relatively high returns and diversification benefits of P2P lending.

Comparison with other markets

Despite the growth in the Belgian P2P lending market, it remains relatively small compared to other European countries, particularly the United Kingdom and Germany. The UK and Germany have more established P2P lending markets, with platforms such as Funding Circle, Zopa, and Auxmoney having been around for over a decade. The regulatory environment in these countries has also been more supportive of P2P lending, with specific regulations introduced to govern the industry.

In comparison to its neighboring countries, Belgium’s P2P lending market is also smaller than the Netherlands and France. In the Netherlands, platforms such as Lendahand and Geldvoorelkaar have been successful in attracting investors and borrowers, whereas France has a thriving P2P lending market with platforms like October.

One factor that may have contributed to the slower growth of P2P lending in Belgium is the regulatory environment. The Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has been cautious in its approach to regulating P2P lending, with strict requirements for platforms to obtain a license. This has potentially limited the growth and innovation of P2P lending in the country.

Best foreign platforms for P2P lending in Belgium

To find the best platforms for P2P lending in Belgium, investors can look for options with low fees and high returns. Here are some of the most popular platforms in Belgium:

Lendermarket: This platform is easy to use and offers a variety of P2P lending options with low fees and high returns, making it popular among Belgian investors.
Esketit: This platform specializes in short-term loans and provides investors with the opportunity to invest in projects with high potential returns.
Reinvest24: This platform focuses on crowdfunding opportunities in Belgium and other parts of Europe, offering investors access to equity investments in real estate projects.
AxiaFunder: This platform is unique in that it focuses on litigation crowdfunding, which can be a great fit for investors in Belgium who are looking for something different.
PeerBerry: This platform offers investors a range of P2P lending options, including personal, business, and real estate loans, and also provides a buyback guarantee.

Overall, these platforms offer investors a range of options for P2P lending in Belgium, with low-cost loans and the potential for higher returns. It’s important for investors to research each platform to determine which option is best suited to their investment goals.

FAQ about P2P lending for Belgian investors:

In Belgium, using foreign platforms for P2P lending has several benefits. Firstly, it provides lenders with access to a larger pool of potential borrowers and a wider range of investment opportunities. Secondly, foreign platforms may offer more competitive rates and terms than domestic lenders. Moreover, European P2P lending platforms can connect investors with a diverse and international investor base, which can increase the liquidity of investments and reduce the risk associated with certain investments.

One of the key benefits of utilizing a local P2P lending platform in Belgium is that it grants easier access to Belgian borrowers and lenders. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to support their own community. Another advantage is that local platforms can provide more personalized services to borrowers who are familiar with the local market, taxes, and regulations. Moreover, using a local platform may lower the costs associated with transferring funds from foreign lenders, due to exchange rate conversions. However, this depends upon the currency in which the investment is made.