Creation of a Crowdlending platform

Crowdlending's Significance in the Modern Economy

Crowdlending has revolutionized the way we finance and has played a significant role in the modern economy. Here are some key aspects of its role:

Challenges

While crowdlending has many benefits, there are also some challenges that the industry faces. One challenge is the need for regulation. Crowdlending platforms need to be properly regulated to protect investors from fraud and other risks. Another challenge is the need to educate investors about the risks and potential rewards of crowdlending.

For investors who are interested in learning more about crowdlending or investing in crowdfunding projects, there is professional support from financial advisors.

Types of Crowdlending

Main Participants of the Crowdlending Platform

A crowdlending platform is a digital environment where various participants interact, each of whom plays an important role in the process of project financing. The main participants of the crowdlending platform are:

1. Investors
   1. These are individuals or organizations who decide to invest their funds in projects posted on a crowdlending platform.
   2. Investors' role is providing finance to borrowers (entrepreneurs or companies), often in exchange for certain financial benefits such as interest, dividends, or profit sharing. Investors may also invest in crowdlending projects for non-financial reasons, such as to support a particular cause or to invest in a company that they believe in.
2. Borrowers
   1. These are entrepreneurs, startups, small companies, or other organizations that are seeking financing for their projects, business ideas, or startups.
   2. Borrowers post their projects on the crowdlending platform with a description of the purpose of financing, the required amount, and the proposal to investors. They undertake to return the investment in accordance with the terms of the transaction. Borrowers may also use crowdlending to finance existing businesses or projects, rather than just startups.
3. Platform operator
   1. This is a company or organization responsible for creating and maintaining the platform, ensuring its functionality, and security. They can also set rules, enforce laws, and regulate activities on the platform. Operators may charge fees to borrowers or investors for using the platform. Platform operators may also provide additional services, such as credit checks, risk assessments, and portfolio management.

Choosing the Right Legal Form for the Crowdlending Platform

When creating a crowdlending platform, one of the key decisions is choosing the appropriate legal form. The choice of this form can have a significant impact on the structure and governance of the platform, as well as the rights and responsibilities of its participants. Here are several legal forms that can be applied when creating a crowdlending platform and their features:

Corporation

• Description: Separate from its shareholders, such a legal entity has its own status and rights, and also limits the liability of shareholders for the company's debts.
• Advantages: The greater protection for investors because shareholders' liability is limited, and their personal assets are not at risk. Corporations are also subject to more stringent regulations than other forms of business entities.
• Disadvantages: Forming and operating a corporation may require more formalities and regulation than other forms.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Description: LLC is a legal structure that limits the liability of participants (founders) to the amount of their contributions to the authorized capital of the company. This is a more flexible form of management compared to a corporation.
• Advantages: Limited liability of participants, more flexible management and fewer formalities than in a corporation. LLCs are also subject to fewer taxes than corporations.
• Disadvantages: There may be restrictions on the number of participants.

Nonprofit Organization

• Description: A non-profit organization is created for the purpose of conducting charitable, educational or social activities and not for profit. In the context of crowdlending, this may be an appropriate legal form for projects with a social impact.
• Advantages: Organizations can enjoy tax benefits and also attract funding for charitable purposes. Nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for government grants and other forms of funding.
• Disadvantages: Restrictions on profit distribution, strict rules on the use of funds.

In addition to the legal form, you will also need to consider the following factors when choosing a legal structure for your crowdlending platform:

Development of Agreements with Investors and Borrowers

Developing legal contracts with investors and borrowers is a key aspect of the activities of a crowdlending platform. Clearly defined terms and compliance with confidentiality rules promote trust among participants and minimize legal risks.

When developing these agreements, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Terms and conditions of the loan: This includes the loan amount, interest rate, repayment terms, and any other relevant conditions.
• Repayment of loans: The agreement should clearly specify how and when loans will be repaid.
• Interest or dividends: If applicable, the agreement should specify how and when interest or dividends will be paid to investors.
• Rights and obligations of the parties: The agreement should clearly define the rights and obligations of both investors and borrowers, including mechanisms for resolving disputes and liability for failure to fulfill obligations.
• Risk disclosure: The agreement should disclose all relevant risks to investors, including the risk of losing their investment.
• Conflict of interest: The agreement should address any potential conflicts of interest between the crowdlending platform, its employees, and its users.

Data Protection and Privacy

Crowdlending platforms collect and process a significant amount of personal data about their users. It is important for crowdlending platforms to take steps to protect this data and to comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations.

When developing a data protection and privacy policy, crowdlending platforms should consider the following factors:

• What data is collected: The policy should clearly define what data is collected from users and how it is used.
• How data is used: The policy should explain how the data is used for legitimate business purposes, such as processing loans and providing customer support.
• How long data is stored: The policy should specify how long data stored and when it is deleted.
• Security measures: The policy should describe the security measures that are in place to protect user data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
• Data breach notification: The policy should outline the crowdlending platform's procedures for notifying users in the event of a data breach.

Platform Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Compliance with legal regulations and ensuring data confidentiality are important aspects of the successful operation of a crowdlending platform.

Terms of Use of the Platform

• Identification of parties: The terms of use must clearly state who is the operator of the crowdlending platform and who is the user (investor or borrower).
• Compliance with Law: The terms must comply with the applicable laws in your jurisdiction and location of users. They must also comply with international norms and standards.
• Rights and Responsibilities: The terms of use must clearly define the rights and responsibilities of the operator and users. This may include rules for using the platform, requirements for registering a crowdlending platform, rules for posting projects and investments, as well as dispute resolution mechanisms that are fair and accessible to both investors and borrowers.
• Liability: Define the parties' liability for failure to perform, including limiting the liability of the platform operator.
• Intellectual Property: If the platform provides tools for posting content (for example, project descriptions), specify rules for the use of intellectual property and rules for user content.

By developing clear and concise terms of use and privacy policy, crowdlending platforms can help to build trust with their users and protect their data.

Legal Risk Minimization for Crowdlending Platforms

Potential Disputes with Investors and Borrowers

• Mediation and arbitration: Establish mechanisms for investors and borrowers to resolve disputes within the platform without recourse to litigation. Ensure transparency and compliance with mediation or arbitration awards.
• Clear contracts: Develop contracts with investors and borrowers that clearly define the terms of the transactions and the rights and obligations of the parties. Pay particular attention to contractual obligations, deadlines, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Transparency and reporting: Provide users with access to comprehensive information about trades and operations, which can reduce the likelihood of disputes and build trust.

Risks Associated with Changes in Legislation

• Legislation monitoring: Continuously monitor legislative changes and regulatory updates that may impact the platform's operations. This may involve hiring legal counsel or analyzing news and official sources.
• Adapt and update: Be prepared to adapt and update business processes and terms of use in accordance with new laws and regulations. Develop flexible strategies for responding to regulatory changes.
• Collaboration with professionals: Engage legal experts and consultants with expertise in financial regulation and law as needed. Their experience can assist in assessing and mitigating risks.
• Dialogue with regulators: Maintain an open and candid dialogue with regulators, complying with their requirements and recommendations. Effective collaboration with regulators can reduce risks and increase the legitimacy of the platform.

Recommendations for Establishing Internal Risk Management Procedures

• Develop a risk management strategy: Develop a strategy that identifies the key risks the platform faces and how they will be managed. Consider financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks.
• Implement the strategy at all levels: Ensure that the risk management strategy is implemented throughout the organization. This includes employee training, the involvement of internal risk committees, and regular strategy updates.
• Employee training: Train employees on the basics of risk management and their role in the process. This may include training on identifying and monitoring risks, as well as compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Compliance with security standards: Implement security standards, including data protection and information security. Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws.

Risk Insurance: Opportunities and Practice

• Consider key risks: Assess which risks are most important to the crowdlending platform. These may include risks associated with borrower defaults, cybersecurity, changes in legislation, and others.
• Selecting insurance partners: Research insurance companies and partners that specialize in insuring risks similar to those faced by the platform. Make sure they have experience in crowdlending and can offer relevant insurance products.
• Plan insurance programs: Design insurance programs that are tailored to the platform's risk assessment and budget. This may include borrower default insurance, liability insurance, and cybersecurity insurance.
• Account for insurance costs: Estimate the cost of insurance and factor it into the platform's budget. It is important to find a balance between the cost of insurance and risk coverage.
• Regularly update insurance programs: Periodically review insurance programs to ensure they continue to meet the platform's needs and changes in risks.

Internal Rules and Regulations of the Platform

Crowdlending platforms need rules and regulations to protect users, investors and the platform itself.

Below we provide a checklist of actions for registering on the platform as a responsible and promising borrower or investor.

• Project evaluation: decide which projects to allow on the platform.
• Project Monitoring: Monitor projects to ensure returns to investors.
• Customer support: provide prompt and quality assistance to users with problems.
• Risk management: Develop algorithms to protect users from financial losses.
• Data security: Develop algorithms to protect users' personal information.
• Audit: Monitor compliance with the rules of the platform.
• Crisis management: Develop algorithms for responding to problems.

Regulation of Activities and Taxation of Crowdlending Platforms

1. Regulation
   1. Compliance with regulatory requirements: Identify and comply with all applicable federal and regional regulations, including disclosure rules, fundraising limits, and long-term commitments. Obtain any required licenses and permits. Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance. Be prepared for regulatory inspections and submit timely and accurate reports.
2. Audit and Accounting
   1. Maintain accounting and financial reporting in accordance with laws: Maintain accounting and financial reporting in accordance with federal and regional laws. Prepare financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. File financial statements within the required deadlines.
   2. Audit of activities and reporting, if required: If required, select an independent auditor to review financial statements and operations. Work with the auditor to conduct an audit and implement any recommendations.
3. Taxation
   1. Income tax: Comply with your jurisdiction's tax laws and calculate your income tax based on your platform's income and expenses. Explore opportunities to optimize taxation and minimize tax obligations within the limits of the law.
   2. Value added tax (VAT): If you have international activities, study the VAT rules for cross-border transactions.
   3. Personal income tax: If your platform pays income to investors, consider personal income tax and provide appropriate reports.
   4. Taxes on capital and dividends: Comply with the tax obligations associated with dividends paid to shareholders and investors. Research possible investor incentives by jurisdiction.
   5. International taxation: Understand international tax treaties if your platform interacts with foreign investors or borrowers. Work with tax professionals to optimize your international tax obligations.

1. Additional tips:
   1. It is important to seek professional advice from lawyers and accountants to ensure that your platform is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
   2. Crowdlending platforms should also develop a risk management plan to mitigate the risks associated with their business.
   3. Platforms should also have a strong customer service team to support investors and borrowers.

International crowdlending: A foray into the global market

To succeed in the global crowdlending market, platforms must be able to navigate a complex landscape of legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges. They must also be able to adapt their platform to meet the needs of a diverse range of users.

Here are some key aspects of international crowdlending that platforms need to consider:

1. Cultural sensitivity: Crowdlending platforms must be able to cater to the needs of users from different cultures. This means supporting multiple languages and currencies, and developing user interfaces and content that are appropriate for different cultures.
2. International payment systems: Platforms need to be integrated with international payment gateways and payment systems to make it easy for investors and borrowers to transfer funds.
3. Data security: Platforms must comply with international data security standards to protect the personal data of their users. This includes implementing measures such as data encryption, multifactor authentication, and regular security audits.
4. Regulatory compliance: Platforms must comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. This includes complying with KYC/AML requirements and establishing clear contracts and agreements with investors.
5. Tax implications: Platforms need to be aware of the tax implications of international crowdlending transactions. This includes determining the liabilities tax of the platform and the investors, and complying with any applicable tax treaties.

Crowdlending: a roadmap for platform builders

The crowdlending market is a frontier of innovation, with new trends and opportunities emerging at a rapid pace. As the market expands into new industries, internationalizes, and adopts new technologies, platform builders need to be prepared to navigate these changes and seize new opportunities.

Here are some key recommendations for potential platform creators:

• Explore new frontiers: Identify emerging industries and project categories with strong demand for crowdlending.
• Go global: Build a platform that caters to investors and borrowers from around the world.
• Embrace innovation: Leverage blockchain and other emerging technologies to improve security and transparency.
• Comply with regulations: Stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations governing crowdlending.
• Build trust: Establish clear platform rules, communicate transparently with users, and protect user data.
• Manage risk: Develop risk management strategies to mitigate potential losses.