Market Data
Trends
P2P lending
Alternative Lending Market Projected to Reach $1.29 Trillion Globally by 2033
A new report forecasts the global alternative lending market will grow from $380.96 billion in 2025 to $1.29 trillion by 2033, driven by digital transformation and increased demand for non-bank financing. The study highlights the role of peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding platforms, as well as technological advancements in underwriting and risk assessment. North America currently leads the market, with growth expected worldwide.
Regulation
Azerbaijan Sets State Duty for Crowdfunding Platform Management
Azerbaijan has approved a state duty related to the management of crowdfunding platforms. This regulatory measure establishes official fees for entities operating crowdfunding services in the country. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to formalize and regulate the crowdfunding sector.
Regulation
P2P lending
Kenya
Africa
Kenyan Court Bars Unlicensed Digital Lenders From Suing Borrowers for Debt Recovery
A Nairobi Small Claims Court has ruled that digital lenders without a Central Bank of Kenya license cannot use the courts to recover unpaid debts. The decision targets unregulated loan apps, stripping them of legal recourse and reinforcing the need for CBK licensing. The ruling is expected to reshape Kenya's digital lending sector and is being closely watched by regulators in other African countries.
Platform Update
Real estate
Tokenized
MENA
Coinbase Supports Tokenized Version of Mubadala Private Markets Fund
Coinbase is backing a tokenized version of Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Private Markets Fund. This initiative involves the creation of a blockchain-based representation of the fund, enabling broader investor access. The move highlights growing institutional interest in real-world asset tokenization and the use of digital platforms for private market investments.
Campaign News
Reward
USA
The Guild: Ren Faire’d Kickstarter Surpasses $3.5M With Over 22,000 Backers
The Guild: Ren Faire'd film has raised over $3.5 million on Kickstarter, exceeding its original goal by 133%. The campaign has attracted more than 22,000 backers and continues to unlock new funding tiers until August 21. The project marks a major milestone for independent entertainment and will reunite the original cast for a feature-length movie.
Regulation
MENA
Oman Implements New Crowdfunding and Credit Rating Regulations
Oman has introduced new regulations governing crowdfunding and credit rating as part of a broader capital market reform. The changes aim to enhance transparency and investor protection in the financial sector. These rules are expected to impact both fundraising platforms and market participants operating in Oman.
Platform Update
Market Data
Personal loans
P2P lending
India
Vartis Platforms Reports 55% Revenue Growth and ₹5,000 Crore Transactions in FY26
Vartis Platforms announced a 55% year-on-year revenue increase to ₹366.58 crore for FY26, with profit after tax rising over 180% to ₹96.22 crore. Its P2P lending platform LenDenClub contributed 54% of revenue, while InstaMoney and Vartis One accounted for 43% and 2%, respectively. The group facilitated over ₹5,000 crore in total transactions and plans further investment in technology and R&D.
Regulation
Debt
Philippine SEC Issues Sukuk Guidelines to Boost Shari’ah-Compliant Investments
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has released new guidelines for the issuance and disclosure of Sukuk, aiming to expand the country's Islamic finance market. The framework details permissible structures, registration, and reporting requirements for Shari’ah-compliant securities. The move is intended to deepen capital markets and promote financial inclusion for faith-driven investors.
Campaign News
Health & Science
Reward
Photon Matrix Laser Mosquito Device Raises $2.7M on Indiegogo, Faces Production Delays
The Photon Matrix, a laser-based mosquito elimination device, has raised $2.7 million from over 4,000 backers on Indiegogo, far surpassing its initial $20,000 goal. Developed by Photon Matrix Lab in China, the device uses LiDAR and AI to target mosquitoes. Despite its crowdfunding success, the project faces production delays and is navigating regulatory approvals. Delivery to backers is now expected in August.
Regulation
Debt
Philippines SEC Issues New Guidelines for Sukuk to Expand Islamic Capital Market
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has released new rules for the registration, issuance, and disclosure of Sukuk, enabling companies to access Shari’ah-compliant financing. The framework outlines permissible structures, reporting, and disclosure requirements for issuers. This move aims to deepen the country's Islamic finance ecosystem and broaden capital market inclusivity.
Campaign News
Startups
Equity
Bhutan Crowdfunded Startup Disappears, Leaving Investors and Regulators in Dispute
Himalayan Food, a fruit and vegetable processing startup, raised Nu 4.5 million via Bhutan Crowdfunding in 2019 but has since become unreachable. Investors report a lack of updates, and regulatory bodies RSEBL and RMA are at odds over responsibility. The case highlights gaps in oversight and communication within Bhutan's equity crowdfunding framework.
Trends
Farming
Tokenized
Brazil
Brazilian Farmers Use Blockchain to Tokenize Dairy Cows for Agricultural Loans
Brazilian dairy farmers are leveraging blockchain technology to tokenize dairy cows, enabling them to use livestock as verified collateral for loans. This approach aims to improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural lending, offering farmers better access to capital. The initiative reflects a broader trend of real-world asset tokenization in agriculture and highlights potential benefits and challenges for both farmers and lenders.
