e basic framework for a sustainable crowdfunding market is based on 3 pillars: Legislation, education and research.
Legislation and regulations
At the moment, there is no legislation and regulation specifically aimed at crowdfunding. Within the current frameworks of European and national laws for the financial markets, it is possible to offer crowdfunding legally, but with a number of restrictions, especially for crowdfunding platforms that offer loans and shares.
For example, in many countries it is not possible to raise more than 100,000 euros for a crowdfunding campaign, while at European level this limit is set at 5,000,000 euros. It is recommended to harmonise the regulations up to 5,000,000 euros.
In addition, it is difficult to trade shares easily in various forms of business . It is recommended to also make this possibility (which is available in
If a crowdfunding platform collects money for a panama phone data crowdfunding campaign and only pays it out to the project owner later, the platform could be considered a bank under current European regulations . Because these platforms put the money they collect in a separate account (third-party account) and do not create additional money, it is requested that platforms that offer these services, under the above conditions, impose lighter requirements.
The current European legislation for trading in shares (MiFID) and being involved as an intermediary (UCITS, AIFM) may also apply to some of the activities that crowdfunding platforms perform. However, there is currently no clarity about this. It is requested to draw up clear guidelines for this, so that platforms that want to operate in Europe know which services they may and may not offer.
Until the above regulations are elaborated in (new) regulations, it is important that the crowdfunding sector draws up its own transparent 'code of conduct', which everyone adheres to and which clearly states how the organization is structured, how the money and personal data are secured and according to which procedures are worked. In addition, it is important that it is indicated in what way money laundering is countered and how the funders are protected against fraudulent providers.
Role of crowdfunding in the financial sector
Education
In order for crowdfunding to grow further, it is important that the public, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders learn more about crowdfunding in general and the different models of crowdfunding in particular. This will ensure that there is more interest in this way of financing, while also protecting the interests of donors and/or investors.