Portfolio Update October 2020

S4F Portfolio Update @ SavingsForFreedom
A more descriptive update than usual to compensate for the lack of publications during October. Let me know your thoughts!

Another silent month on my part. Sorry about that. When you live in a country such as Portugal, if you want to increase your income, you really need to work a lot. Over the next 3 months, I will be teaching students on the subjects of Management & Entrepreneurship at a local University. However, I still need to perform all my obligations in my company leaving me without the capacity to work on the blog as I wish. I will do my best to organize my workflow to publish this month.

Before starting I want to ask your support to fund the blog costs.

N26 Bank

You already know I love N26 Bank to manage all my P2P investments. By now it’s one of the most mature of the user-friendly and innovative challenger or neo-banks that have revolutionized the European banking market in the last few years. Last month I decided to subscribe N26 Metal to benefit from the 0.5% cashback on all my purchases. If you still don’t have your N26 account, this is a very simple way to support the blog, that I really appreciate.

Thank you for your support.

N26 The Mobile Bank @ Savings4Freedom

New P2P Platforms in the Market

Brickfy logo @ SavingsForFreedom

Brickfy

Brickfy is an Estonian financial technology company that offers a lending marketplace to invest in business and property-backed loans with an average IRR of 12.49%.

Brickfy is operated by Brick and Mortar Digital Assets OÜ. Company authorized and regulated as a Financial Institution by the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit with the license FFA000353.

HeavyFinance

HeavyFinance is a P2P marketplace that offers investors a new asset class: loans backed by heavy machinery. This is the first crowdlending platform in the world focusing on heavy equipment as collateral.

Laimonas Noreika, the company CEO was one of the founders of FinBee.

HeavyFinance Logo @ SavingsForFreedom

So, let’s check October 2020 numbers…


S4F P2P Lending Portfolio October 2020


Crowdestor

A lot of activity on Crowdestor. The secondary market is on fire, with investors leveraging this liquidity option to leave their investments with a loss while other investors take full advantage of the significant discounts available there. For true believers on the platform, this is a golden opportunity to make great deals.

A voting process is ongoing regarding specific projects affected by COVID-19.
The available options?
– Prolong the loan term, wait, receive capital with interest.
– Cancel this project, get principal back without interests.
I expect similar voting will take place for many other projects.

Personally, I’m reducing my position on the platform. The risk is too high for my current mindset and the significant overlap between lending and equity rounds demands a significant amount of time to study the investments and perform the necessary due diligence that I simply don’t have.

Crowdestor Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Crowdestor Portfolio October 2020
Crowdestor: Quick Overview
Reviews & Analysis

Crowdestor: Quick Overview

By October 8, 2020 0
If you want to assess Crowdestor in the fastest way possible, this is your start. A quick reading to know if you should spend time considering it to invest.
Crowdestor Pay: New Crowdfunding Campaign
News & Insights

Crowdestor Pay: New Crowdfunding Campaign

By August 29, 2020 0
Crowdestor launched a new crowdfunding campaign to acquire a licensed payments service provider from the Czech Republic. The new venture: Crowdestor Pay.

TFGcrowd

I cannot figure out how TFGcrowd works. Small amounts are paid to investors, but parts of the principal remain to be returned. I personally decided to leave the platform, but other investors state this to be the highest yield platform in their portfolios.

I recommend anyone thinking to invest in TFGcrowd to read carefully this post from Kristaps Mors.

TFGcrowd Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom TFGcrowd Portfolio October 2020
TFGcrowd: Unlikely Survivor
Financial Status

TFGcrowd: Unlikely Survivor

By June 24, 2020 1
Among the P2P platforms I want to reduce my exposure to is TFGcrowd. I don’t know if it is a scam, but I was not expecting them to

Raize

Raize is the market leader among Portuguese P2P platforms. Last month they communicated to investors that from November 15th they will apply a 10% “success fee” over any interest received. The worst? This fee will be applied to active loans in the platform.

I believe this action will trigger a massive exit from the platform. Personally I’m slowly withdrawing along the time. I would like to have exited already the platform, but is not a easy task.

Raize Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Raize Portfolio October 2020
What is Financial Independence?
Financial Literacy

What is Financial Independence?

By September 19, 2020 0
Have you already defined your financial goals? What motivates you to save and invest? Let’s explore the concept of Financial Independence!

Mintos

A very active month for Mintos. A new rating model was presented that is creating confusion among investors. A new version of the Mintos app was released and updates on the outlook of several Loan Originators was shared. But the most relevant update is related with the decision of the platform to introduce Notes.

Key takeaways

  • Loans on Mintos will be classified as regulated financial instruments, called Notes.
  • One full Note will correspond to one full loan minus the skin in the game.
  • Each Note will have its own international securities identification number (ISIN).
  • Accrued interest for Notes will work similarly as for bonds and other debt securities.
  • There will be in-depth prospectuses about the potential investments in loans (Notes).

I’m decreasing my exposure to Mintos in order to adjust my overall portfolio allocation to P2P.

Mintos Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Mintos Portfolio October 2020
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.

Lendermarket

I’m now waiting seven days until the 2% cashback is credited on my account. For investors that were able to take advantage of this, it was a great opportunity to increase short-term yield on their Lendermarket investments.

Another relevant note includes Creditstar Group AS Interim Report Q3 2020. Basically they have a sound organic growth, all numbers are in line, nothing alarming. However, remember that these are unaudited results and that even the audited ones are under scrutiny, as you can read on this post from Kristaps Mors.

I expect to decrease my exposure to Lendermarket over time, while the current loans are repaid.

Lendermarket Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Lendermarket Portfolio October 2020
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.
Lendermarket: +2% Cashback Campaign by Creditstar
Financial Status

Lendermarket: +2% Cashback Campaign by Creditstar

By September 15, 2020 0
If you are looking to invest in Lendermarket (Creditstar loans) this is the moment to create your account and take full advantage of the new cashback campaign!

PeerBerry

Even if my position on PeerBerry is residual, the platform maintains a great reputation among the community. Prove of that is the fact that the platform was able to return to pre-crisis levels: the amount of loans funded in October exceeded the amount of loans funded in February (the all time high for PeerBerry).

PeerBerry Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom PeerBerry Portfolio October 2020
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.
PeerBerry: July 2020 Platform Performance
News & Insights

PeerBerry: July 2020 Platform Performance

By August 5, 2020 0
July 2020 PeerBerry performance in numbers is a reflection of the summer vacation mood. The market is stabilizing to the pos-COVID reality. A PeerBerry update.

Moncera

I still did not invest on Moncera. Even if Placet Group is among the most solid loan originators of Mintos, I will wait and see what happens with the platform. Taking into consideration they are growing every month, more investors are joining and the offer is also expanding. The platform recently added Estonian loans, thereby making possible to invest in short-term loans as many investors prefer to.

If you want to create a Moncera account, you can now benefit from €25 as a sign up bonus. Use the code FB34OG3 upon registration, otherwise they will not be able to credit the bonus.

Moncera Update SavingsForFreedom September 2020
SavingsForFreedom Moncera Portfolio October 2020
Moncera: Quick Overview
Reviews & Analysis

Moncera: Quick Overview

By August 15, 2020 0
If you want to assess Moncera in the fastest way possible, this is your start. A quick reading to know if you should spend time considering it to invest.
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.

IUVO Group

October was a month full of activity for IUVO Group:

  • The lawsuit against BBG loan originator is in motion but unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is taking more time than usual.
  • Another lawsuit was initiated against CBC loan originator. However, an offer was presented for an out-of-court agreement, which could significantly speed up the collecting process.
  • Ibancar, the Spanish loan originator decided to work exclusively with IUVO Group to manage their P2P fundraising activities.
  • In September, IUVO Group signed a contract with AS Monify, stating that they will fully repay their debt to investors on the platform by installments within 3 months.

Even if I agree with the approach followed by the platform, I will decrease my position over time.

IUVO Group Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom IUVO Group Portfolio October 2020
Does IUVO GOLD Club jeopardizes small investors returns?
Financial Status

Does IUVO GOLD Club jeopardizes small investors returns?

By July 20, 2020 0
By impacting normal investment market conditions by offering special treatment to Gold Club members, IUVO Group jeopardizes small investor returns. A smart move?

Swaper

I’m assessing Swaper but I must confess that is difficult to evaluate. The lack of transparency annoys me and the cash drag to invest lead me to reduce my position over time. However, I’m quite surprised with the loans performance, specially in Spain and Poland during this months.

Swaper Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Swaper Portfolio October 2020
Risks of P2P Investing
Help for New Investors

Risks of P2P Investing

By March 16, 2020 4
If you are considering P2P lending as an investment option for your money, it is important to understand both the benefits and risks of this asset class.

Viventor

Don’t know what to write about Viventor. My funds are completely locked in the platform and I have no perspective of when I will have access to them. Right now my will is simply to withdraw my balance as soon as possible.

Over the last few months a series of emails demonstrated the confusion that is currently the overall operational activity in the platform and the activities of the current platform owner added a layer of complexity that I’m not willing to sustain in my portfolio.

Viventor Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Viventor Portfolio October 2020
Viventor: Problems with Loan Originators
News & Insights

Viventor: Problems with Loan Originators

By August 19, 2020 0
Viventor is facing significant challenges with it’s Loan Originators. Among payment defaults, judicial processes and payments plans… a Viventor update.
Viventor: Acquired by Gielen Group
News & Insights

Viventor: Acquired by Gielen Group

By June 11, 2020 0
Lotus 597, own by Gielen Group that also owns Atlantis Financiers (a loan originator), has purchased 100% of Viventor. What this means for the platform future?

ViaInvest

ViaInvest is among the most stable P2P platforms in the industry. Even if the user experience is quite terrible, in the end of the day what we want is performance. I’m considering the platform as a option on the next few months.

ViaInvest Update SavingsForFreedom September 2020
SavingsForFreedom ViaInvest Portfolio October 2020
Benefits of P2P Investing
Help for New Investors

Benefits of P2P Investing

By March 2, 2020 1
If you are considering P2P lending as an investment option for your money, it is important to understand both the benefits and risks of this asset class.

iban Wallet

During October iban Wallet was among the most discussed platforms in the industry, and not for good reasons. As you remember, when reviewing the platform I highlighted the lack of transparency about the financials, operations and business structure of the entire organization.

Kristaps Mors took the research seriously and you can read the results here:

As always, I appreciate the work done by Kristaps. I reach out to iban Wallet for a comment, but received an empty reply. A serious company takes this type of publications seriously, addressing the information and sustaining their position based on facts. Not answering is in itself an answer.

I decided to close my open position on the platform, and warn caution to any investors.

Iban Wallet Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Iban Wallet Portfolio October 2020
iban Wallet: A Warning Message
Risk Management

iban Wallet: A Warning Message

By November 4, 2020 0
I decided to stop promoting iban wallet on my blog. Too many questions without answers, too much smoke around people, locations, finances and operations. A warning message to all.
Iban Wallet: Platform Risk Analysis
Reviews & Analysis

Iban Wallet: Platform Risk Analysis

By July 4, 2020 3
I decided to stop promoting iban wallet on my blog. Too many questions without answers, too much smoke around people, locations, finances and operations. A warning message to all.

Robocash

Robocash remains one of the most stable P2P platforms in the industry. In the first half of 2020, it issued 1.6M loans worth $139.5M reaching $10.7M in profit and increasing the volume of retained earnings to $38.2M. This lead me to reopen my position.

Robocash Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Robocash Portfolio October 2020
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.
Robo.cash Transparency: Group Audited Financial Reports
News & Insights

Robo.cash Transparency: Group Audited Financial Reports

By August 25, 2020 0
Robo.cash is moving towards becoming one of the Top P2P platforms with global operations. The numbers from 2017 to 2019 show financial group strength to grow.

Kviku Finance

I’m still exploring Kviku Finance but the initial impression is quite positive. For a reliable loan originator of Mintos and IUVO Group, the fact that they decided to launch their own P2P platform shows the dynamic in the industry and what to expect from the strongest LOs.

Take full advantage of the initial €20 sign-up bonus.

Kviku Finance Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Kviku Finance Portfolio October 2020
How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era
Crowdlending

How to invest in P2P Lending in the Post-Covid Era

By November 12, 2020 0
I’m sharing my reflections on how I see my P2P lending portfolio evolving in the post-COVID era. From P2P platform selection towards a Loan Originator strategy.
New P2P Platforms in the European Market
News & Insights

New P2P Platforms in the European Market

By September 11, 2020 0
Do you want to be aware of all new offers among P2P Platforms for European investors? Find the most recent list of platforms that will be reviewed soon. Enjoy!

EstateGuru

It is interesting to follow EstateGuru path. Recently and fr the first time a defaulted project was sold with loss for the original investors. It is now clear that EstateGuru is not eager to satisfy small investors any longer. They are more interested in the satisfaction of big investors and the platform shareholders. I will keep my position, assess how the recovery process evolves and then decide how to proceed.

EstateGuru Update SavingsForFreedom October 2020
SavingsForFreedom Estateguru Portfolio October 2020
Estateguru: Loan Risk Analysis
Reviews & Analysis

Estateguru: Loan Risk Analysis

By January 16, 2020 1
Learn about the types of loans offered by EstateGuru and how they protect investors from defaults. This is critical to understand their successful track record.
Estateguru: Platform Pros and Cons
Reviews & Analysis

Estateguru: Platform Pros and Cons

By January 9, 2020 0
Take a closer look at some of the key pros & cons of investing in Real Estate loans through EstateGuru. Don’t invest before a proper due diligence.

Bulkestate

The platform keeps promoting projects on a regular basis. This last month raised some confusion around the auto-invest feature limitations that does not discriminate between investment opportunities on equity vs mortgage. Investors would like to be in control of this decision.

New investment opportunity: “Amālijas Street – 3rd stage” with an annual return of 14% will be launched on Bulkestate platform. It will become available for investing on November 3.

BulkEstate Update SavingsForFreedom September 2020
SavingsForFreedom Bulkestate Portfolio October 2020
Dena Invest: Investors want clear answers!
Risk Management

Dena Invest: Investors want clear answers!

By November 21, 2020 0
I apologize if I jump to rash conclusions with my initial post, but investors need to get clear answers from new platforms. Dena Invest is doing it wrong.

Other P2P Platform News

Debitum Network

Debitum Network recently announced a new partnership with a loan originator from the United Kingdom: CubeFunder.

All investors who invest at least 500 EUR in assets from CubeFunder will receive an unlimited 1% cashback.

ReInvest24

Majaka 54 was the first development project of Reinvest24. The development was conducted by their own real estate team. Despite the challenges, all the Majaka projects have been exited successfully earning investors an average of 14% annual income.

ReInvest24 Logo @ Savings4Freedom
Rendity Logo @ Savings4Freedom

Rendity

Now it is possible to invest into the new project “Meisenweg 6” in Graz with an interest rate of 6,85% per year and a term of max 30 months.

A total of 7 residential units will be built in the new building and 3 residential units from the conversion and extension.

CoinLoan

CoinLoan is hosting a virtual Halloween Pumpkin Contest from October 27th and till November 8th.

Prize: $300 for dinner for two.

Coinloan Logo @ Savings4Freedom
Coinbase Logo @ Savings4Freedom

Coinbase

You’re invited: earn up to $52 in OXT.
How does Coinbase Earn work?

  • Watch educational videos;
  • Complete a quiz;
  • Earn!

Fraudulent P2P Platforms

For those that still think Wisefund is a legit platform… No. Wisefund is part of the fraudulent criminal groups that took advantage of the P2P industry to commit their crimes. Please check the publication below to learn how you can act now to fight this criminals back.

Suspicious, Troubling and Fraudulent P2P Platforms
Fraudulent P2P Platforms Risk Management

Suspicious, Troubling and Fraudulent P2P Platforms

By September 9, 2020 1
After so much troubling news in the European P2P Industry, it is crucial to collect and share a list of the suspicious, troubling and fraudulent P2P Platforms.
Wisefund: Enough! Time to Mobilize
Risk Management

Wisefund: Enough! Time to Mobilize

By August 3, 2020 0
With the lack of interest payment on July 31st, I’m writing down my investments in Wisefund and urging any other investor in the platform to take action.
Envestio & Kuetzal (scams update): Time to Make your Claim
Risk Management

Envestio & Kuetzal (scams update): Time to Make your Claim

By June 20, 2020 1
Envestio & Kuetzal bankruptcies have been declared. Trustees appointed, and now creditors should submit their claims. What to do? A double scam update for you.
7 Lessons to Protect Yourself From P2P Scams
Risk Management

7 Lessons to Protect Yourself From P2P Scams

By January 6, 2020 5
Greed and herd mentality can go a long way to blur our capacity to detect P2P investment scams. Learn on how to avoid P2P investment frauds with prior
Grupeer (scam update): Know Your Client
Risk Management

Grupeer (scam update): Know Your Client

By June 16, 2020 3
On June 15th, Grupeer announced the need for investors to fill a KYC questionnaire. What are the reasons behind this? How to proceed? A scam update for you.

Thank you so much to all that are sharing opinions, comments, and suggestions with me over the email ([email protected]). I’m always looking for ways to improve the blog.

If you enjoy the blog, please hit the like button below and/or share it with your friends. Thanks for the support!


Do you what to receive updates on new publications? Check SavingsForFreedom on Telegram and WhatsApp, or follow the blog in the links below! Thank you!


The blog contains affiliate links. Please learn more about it in the Disclaimer.

1 Shares:
2 comments
  1. Very nice post, but way to long. And your story tells us, that “savings” is diametral to “speculating” on p2p platforms. I am missing the serious part of your portfolio! Good luck and stay safe!

  2. Thanks GQ!
    You are absolutely right. A long post that I wanted to avoid…
    It is extremely difficult to address a full portfolio view in a serious manner.
    The focus on P2P is based on the amount of effort required to keep myself informed on what is happening with this particular asset class and sharing that with others. With the limited amount of time I currently have even if my aspirations for the blog go over P2P I don’t have the capacity to do it.
    Warm regards and stay safe as well.

Share your opinion on this topic!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like
S4F Portfolio Update @ SavingsForFreedom
Read More

Portfolio Update July 2020

The latest portfolio update from SavingsForFreedom is here. Find out how my P2P investments are responding to the market turmoil. Take your own conclusions.

Portfolio Update: December 2018

Hello Savings4Freedom friends! For the first time I'm sharing my monthly update. Please feel free to contact me over email [email protected] and share your opinion, comments or suggestions on how I can improve the blog or my investments! I'm looking forward to join in conversation with you!
Read More

December 2019 Portfolio Update

Year in Review, New Goals, and Black Clouds hanging over the P2P Industry, but Savings4Freedom evolved from 200€ in monthly returns by December 2018 to more than 600€ by December 2019! Crowdlending gains in 2019 are €4.918,93!

Portfolio Update: April 2019

For the first time my P2P crowdlending investments provided more than 300€ in monthly income! I finally was able to redefine my P2P investment strategy. Next month I will be able to share with you in a table my P2P platform comparison, based on my personal criteria and preferences. New platforms in my portfolio since February: Robocash, FastInvest, Crowdestate, Finbee, NeoFinance, PeerBerry, DoFinance, Kuetzal, Monestro, Rendity. My first impressions later. The European P2P community will gather next June 7-8 in Riga. I will do my best to be there. Learn more and decide if you want to attend.