Question 1

What is crowdlending?

Accepted Answer

Crowdlending (also known as peer-to-peer lending or P2P lending) is a form of lending where many private individuals or institutional investors collectively finance a loan — directly via an online platform, without a bank as intermediary. Cashare is Switzerland's first and leading crowdlending platform, founded in 2008.

Question 2

How does crowdlending work in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

A borrower submits their loan application on the platform. Cashare assesses creditworthiness and assigns a rating (A–F). If approved, the loan project is listed for investors who collectively fund it. Once fully funded, the amount is disbursed to the borrower, who repays in monthly instalments that are passed on to investors.

Question 3

What are the advantages of crowdlending over a bank loan?

Accepted Answer

Crowdlending offers several advantages over bank loans: faster online processing (24h decision), transparent terms with no hidden fees, fair interest rates (borrower sets the maximum rate), no early repayment penalties, and direct contact without a bank appointment. Cashare offers personal loans from 4.4% and SME loans from 5.9%.

Question 4

Is crowdlending safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cashare is affiliated with SRO PolyReg as a financial intermediary and is subject to Swiss consumer credit law (KKG). All borrowers undergo a comprehensive credit check. Investors can significantly reduce their risk through diversification across at least 30 projects.

Question 5

What interest rates can I expect with crowdlending?

Accepted Answer

At Cashare, interest rates for personal loans range from 4.4% to 9.9% effective annual rate, depending on creditworthiness (Cashare Rating A–C). SME loans range from 5.9% to 14.9%. The effective rate is always transparently disclosed, as required by Swiss law.

Question 6

What returns can investors expect from crowdlending?

Accepted Answer

At Cashare, investors earn an average return of 5–8% p.a. Depending on the risk class (rating), interest earnings range from 4.4% to 14.9% for private investors. Diversification across at least 30 projects significantly reduces default risk.

Question 7

What is the difference between crowdlending and crowdfunding?

Accepted Answer

In crowdlending (P2P lending), loans are fully repaid with interest — investors receive their capital plus a return. In crowdfunding, people donate or invest in a project or company without a guaranteed repayment. Crowdlending is the credit-based, regulated form of crowd financing.

Aspect	Crowdlending	Bank
Intermediary	Direct via platform	Bank as intermediary
Lender	Many private/institutional investors	The bank itself
Decision	Fast (days)	Slower (weeks)
Transparency	High transparency	Limited insight
Terms	Market-based, often cheaper	Fixed bank conditions

What is Crowdlending?

Crowdlending explained simply

How does Crowdlending work?

For Borrowers

For Investors

Benefits of Crowdlending

For Borrowers

For Investors

Crowdlending vs. Bank Loan

History of Crowdlending

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