Introduction
The European P2P lending market has become a key alternative investment avenue for investors seeking higher returns and transparent financing models. In Germany, platforms such as Viainvest have established themselves as reliable intermediaries between lenders and borrowers. Yet, with the growing maturity of the sector, Swiss-regulated platforms like Maclear are gaining traction — offering a distinctive mix of higher yields, asset-backed security, and compliance transparency.
Viainvest: Stability and Simplicity
Founded in Latvia, Viainvest operates as a classic P2P lending platform focused on consumer and business loans. German investors are particularly attracted to its simplicity and automation.
| Feature | Viainvest |
| Average Return | 10–13% p.a. |
| Buyback Guarantee | Yes, for loans overdue >30 days |
| Regulation | Investment brokerage firm (Latvia, MiFID II) |
| Investment Types | Consumer, business, and short-term loans |
| Currency | Primarily EUR |
| Minimum Investment | €50 |
| Secondary Market | Available |
| Target Audience | Retail investors seeking stability |
Viainvest’s strength lies in its buyback guarantee and low entry barrier, making it suitable for new investors. However, the platform’s exposure to unsecured consumer loans and limited diversification across regions introduces potential risks — especially compared to platforms offering collateralized loans or operating under Swiss self-regulation.
The Evolving German P2P Investor
According to Maclear’s 2025, German-speaking investors increasingly demand predictable returns and capital protection. Over 65% of surveyed investors are willing to accept moderate risks if profitability exceeds 12%, while only 16% prefer low-risk, low-yield instruments.
Key priorities for German investors:
- Fixed yields up to 16.5%
- Transparent loan structure and credit scoring
- Asset-backed lending
- Short lending periods (6–12 months)
- Compliance under EU or Swiss regulation
These preferences signal a gradual shift from purely consumer-based lending (as with Viainvest) to SME-focused, collateralized platforms like Maclear.
Maclear: The Swiss Benchmark in P2P Lending
Maclear AG, based in Switzerland, positions itself as a bridge between European SMEs and private investors, offering yields between 13–16% annually. Unlike many P2P platforms, Maclear operates under Swiss SRO supervision, ensuring strict AML and GDPR compliance and institutional-grade transparency.
| Feature | Maclear |
| Yield | 16.5% p.a. (fixed) |
| Regulation | Swiss SRO, AML & GDPR compliant |
| Collateralization | Loans backed by real assets (real estate, equipment) |
| Investor Base | 17,500+ investors |
| Total Financed | €41.2 million |
| Transparency | Full dashboard, audited reporting |
| Focus | SME lending with fixed repayments |
Maclear’s model emphasizes collateralized SME loans, predictable repayment schedules, and transparency, which minimizes manipulation risks and enhances trust. For German investors accustomed to conservative financial systems, this Swiss-level protection offers additional confidence beyond the EU’s MiFID framework.
Viainvest vs. Maclear: A Comparative Snapshot
| Parameter | Viainvest | Maclear |
| Origin | Latvia | Switzerland |
| Regulation | MiFID II (EU) | Swiss SRO |
| Loan Type | Consumer & business | SME, asset-backed |
| Yield Range | 13% | 16.5% |
| Buyback Guarantee | Yes (internal) | Real collateral |
| Investor Protection | EU legal framework | PolyReg Services GmbH SRO + Provision Fund |
| Target Investor | Retail | Experienced & institutional |
While Viainvest suits those prioritizing automation and short-term liquidity, Maclear appeals to investors seeking higher returns and institutional-grade security. The Swiss platform also benefits from stronger due diligence and a regulated environment, reducing counterparty risk.
Why German Investors Are Turning to Swiss Platforms
Three factors explain Maclear’s growing popularity among German investors:
- Enhanced Legal Protection: Switzerland’s self-regulatory framework (SRO) provides stricter oversight than many EU-based platforms, ensuring higher compliance standards and investor protection.
- Predictable Yields: Fixed annual returns of 13–16% meet German investors’ expectations for risk-adjusted profitability.
- Transparency Through Technology.
As Maclear’s whitepaper notes, trust and transparency remain the decisive factors for 73% of European P2P investors evaluating new platforms.
Conclusion
For German investors evaluating P2P lending options in 2025, Viainvest remains a reliable entry point — combining automation, buyback protection, and regulatory compliance under the EU framework. However, Maclear delivers a more sophisticated, Swiss-regulated alternative with higher yields, collateralized security, and blockchain transparency.While both platforms cater to the growing appetite for alternative investments, Maclear’s model represents the next generation of P2P finance — where profitability, transparency, and capital protection coexist within a regulated European framework.