EUROPE
Germany The Extent of Existing Regulation In 2018, German alternative finance market volume reached $1,276 million, which is an 89.6% increase compared to that of 2017. The regional ranking of Germany remained 3rd, as in 2017, but its global ranking increased to 6th (2017 : 8th). P2P Consumer Lending comprised the majority of the total volume, accounting for 51% ($651.3 million), followed by Real Estate Crowdfunding (24.6%, $313.9 million). More specifically, total business funding volume was $218.9 million and the volume derived from institutional investors reached $620.8 million (49%). Institutional investors were one of the main sources of funding in Germany, accounting for almost half of the total volume.
OVERVIEW OF REGULATORY CHANGES The majority of equity-based platforms (96%) and debt-based platforms (67%) were authorised to operate in Germany. A similar portion of platforms among equity-based business models (84%) and debt-based business models (62%) answered that the current regulation was adequate and appropriate. However, it is notable that quite a few debt-based platforms (29%) indicated that the existing regulation was excessive and too strict. In 2018, the German Government liberalized the prospectus regime for equity offers, raising the threshold from EUR 1 million to EUR 8 million per year. Individual investments limits were set at EUR 10 million. These regulatory changes incentivized platforms in Germany to move from intermediating sub-ordinated loans (which were not classified as securities, but as investment assets) to securities.53 Furthermore, as elsewhere in the EU, the new pan-European ECSP regime is expected to be implemented in Germany, both enabling and opening its investment crowdfunding market further.
My platform is authorized in my jurisdiction
My platform is not authorized but has interim permissions to operate in my jurisdiction Regulatory Authorisation is not required for my business activities
Debt
Equity
67%
96%
5% 29%
4%
Perception towards Existing Regulation 29%
62%
84%
Debt
Equity 4%
10%
12%
Adequate and appropriate for my platform activities Excessive and too strict for my platform activities No Specific Regulation and not needed No Specific Regulation and needed
Changes in Business models (%)
Changes in products and services (%)
Alternative Finance Market Volumes 2015-2018 (USD Millions) 1276
673 173 2014
276 2015
356
2016
2017
2018
e significantly altered our W business model in 2018 We slightly altered our business model in 2018 We made no significant changes to our business model in 2018
We introduced significantly new products and services in 2018 We slightly altered products and services in 2018 We made no significant changes to our products and services in 2018