Trends
Regulation
Startups
Equity
Malaysia
Malaysia Proposes LEAP Market Reforms to Ease Public Listings for ECF-Backed Companies
Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission have proposed changes to the LEAP Market framework, aiming to provide equity crowdfunding-backed companies with a streamlined path to public listing. The reforms would allow ECF-funded firms to list on the LEAP Market after raising at least RM5 million, including from VC or PE sources. The proposals also include retail investor participation and a simplified transfer process to the ACE Market.
Platform Update
Regulation
Trends
SME
Equity
UNDP Supports Crowdfunding Regulation Development for MSMEs in North Macedonia
The UN Development Programme is assisting North Macedonia in creating a regulatory framework for crowdfunding to improve MSMEs' access to finance. The initiative aims to establish clear rules and investor protections, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with a broader pool of investors. This regulatory approach is highlighted as a key example of supporting small business growth and sustainable development.
Trends
Market Data
Art
Reward
USA
Kickstarter Comic Book Campaigns Raise $46.5M in 2024, Achieving Record Success Rates
In 2024, comic book projects on Kickstarter raised $46.5 million across 3,414 campaigns, with a 67% success rate—the highest among all categories on the platform. Both independent creators and major publishers like Skybound and Boom! have set new crowdfunding records. The article highlights the evolving landscape, challenges for small creators, and the emergence of new publishers focused on crowdfunding.
Trends
Market Data
Startups
Equity
USA
Analysis Reveals Top-Performing Crowdfunding Platforms by Median and Average Raise Amounts
A recent analysis compares crowdfunding platforms based on median and average amounts raised in Reg CF and Reg A+ offerings from January 2025 to June 2026. The data highlights that specialized platforms like Equifund and Equivest often outperform larger, generalist platforms in certain niches. Larger platforms such as StartEngine and DealMaker succeed through scale, while niche platforms excel by focusing on specific investor interests.
Trends
Real estate
Tokenized
USA
Rising US Mortgage Costs Drive Interest in Real Estate Tokenization
Median US mortgage payments have increased 40% over five years, reaching $2,134 in April 2026. This affordability squeeze is prompting buyers to explore alternatives such as blockchain-based real estate tokenization. The article explains how tokenization enables fractional property ownership and cites projections of a $3 trillion tokenized real estate market by 2030.
Market Data
Trends
Personal loans
P2P lending
Global Small Personal Loans Market Projected to Reach $158.7B by 2032, Led by Digital Lending
A new Allied Market Research report forecasts the global small personal loans market will grow from $31.3 billion in 2023 to $158.7 billion by 2032, at a 20.1% CAGR. Growth is driven by rising demand for fast, unsecured credit and the expansion of digital and P2P lending platforms. North America leads the market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to see rapid growth. Key players include LendingClub, Prosper, and major banks.
Trends
Market Data
SME
P2P lending
Global Small Business Loans Market Projected to Reach $7.2 Trillion by 2032
A new Allied Market Research report forecasts the global small business loans market will grow from $2.5 trillion in 2023 to $7.2 trillion by 2032, at a 13% CAGR. Growth is driven by rising startup activity, digital lending innovation, and government-backed financing. The report highlights regional trends, key players, and the impact of fintech and alternative lending platforms.
Market Data
Trends
USA
Study Finds Social Networks Significantly Influence Crowdfunding Success Rates
A new study analyzes Kickstarter and Facebook data to show that peer effects and social ties in online networks strongly impact crowdfunding outcomes. Peer influence is especially pronounced for riskier projects and when platform transparency is increased. Social proximity also helps projects succeed and mitigates negative effects from local economic shocks.
Trends
Market Data
Donation
Canada
GoFundMe Reports 274% Surge in Canadian Cost-of-Living Campaigns Since 2020
GoFundMe has seen a 274% increase in Canadian campaigns mentioning cost of living since 2020, with over 15,000 fundraisers for essential needs launched between January and May 2026. The article highlights how more Canadians are turning to crowdfunding to cover basic expenses amid rising inflation and limited social support. Experts note that only a minority of such campaigns reach their funding goals.
Trends
Regulation
Startups
Equity
Europe
Regulatory Challenges Emerge as ECSPR Crowdfunding Platforms Evolve Toward Fund-Like Structures
The European crowdfunding market is experiencing structural changes as platforms adopt more complex investment vehicles under ECSPR. These developments raise questions about the regulatory boundary between crowdfunding and collective investment management, particularly regarding SPV use and AIFMD classification. Supervisory convergence and clear ESMA guidance are highlighted as key to ensuring consistent investor protection and legal certainty ac…
Trends
Market Data
Startups
Equity
Europe
ESMA Data Highlights Low Equity Crowdfunding Volumes Amid Untapped IP Finance Potential
Recent ESMA figures show that ECSPR-licensed crowdfunding platforms in the EU raised just over €4.25 billion, with only 12% via equity investments. The EUIPO estimates Europe could mobilise up to €150 billion annually through IP-backed finance, but adoption by crowdfunding platforms remains limited. The sector risks missing a major opportunity to support innovative SMEs and Europe's intangible economy.
Trends
Regulation
Platform Update
Europe
AMLA Report Highlights Regulatory Challenges for EU Crowdfunding Platforms
The Anti-Money Laundering Authority's first Roadshow Report reveals significant fragmentation in the EU's approach to financial crime, with direct implications for crowdfunding platforms. The report stresses the need for robust, real-time AML/CFT monitoring and highlights upcoming regulatory changes under the 2024 EU reform package. Crowdfunding operators face increased scrutiny and must adapt to harmonised compliance standards.
