Even though Viainvest is one of the most established P2P platforms, it’s also known for its sometimes significant IT problems. When they underwent regulation in 2022, they completely missed adapting their software, and they spent weeks dealing with corrections and updates.
The more their own funds they have, the lower the need is to borrow. The lower the need to borrow, the lower the interest rates we see on the platform.
The Latvian supervisory authorities ensure that Viainvest levies a withholding tax of 5 per cent on its investors. But don’t worry: you can use a double taxation agreement with Latvia and all you have to do is submit a proof of residence, which you can obtain from your tax office, to Viainvest. My experience with this process has been very good so far – I haven’t had any problems. However, other investors have reported that their application was not recognised. Advantages and disadvantages of Viainvest Based on my experience to date and the in-depth analysis of the company and the Group, the following advantages and disadvantages emerge: Advantages
The platform is part of the Latvian VIA SMS Group, a holding company that was founded in 2009. The group offers a range of different financial products and services. In addition to Viainvest and the expanding lending operations, this also includes the digital payment platform VIALET.
The ViaSMS Group has also issued bonds via the NASDAQ OMX Baltic in Tallinn. This is accompanied by high transparency requirements, which in turn benefit us investors: We have access to audited annual reports,which are (somewhat belatedly) available online. This gives us a better insight into the state of Viainvest’s parent company. In my experience, the platform is a leader in terms of transparency in the P2P sector.
Investors should note that income from P2P lending is typically taxable in your country of residence. PeerBerry’s reporting tools can help with tax compliance, but specific rules vary significantly by jurisdiction.
The return you can earn on Viainvest is respectable. You can find the current average values monthly updated in the table above. My own historical return is over 12 percent as of today. You can see the current figures of my own portfolio in my statistics.
Viainvest mainly uses the first model: the available Buyback guarantee takes effect in the event of a payment default of more than 60 days. ViaSMS then buys the debt from the investors together mintos with the interest. Investors receive their money immediately so that no outstanding loans of more than 60 days remain in our portfolio. This option is particularly popular with investors as they hardly have to worry about individual loans. My Viainvest experience with the buyback guarantee has also been positive so far: everything went as promised and repayment was quick and problem-free. However, we should not forget that the function of a buyback guarantee depends on the state of the company in question: if the ViaSMS Group should ever slip into financial difficulties or even insolvency, there is no guarantee that the buybacks will continue to be processed so smoothly.
Во время работы автоматического инструмента инвестор равно как даст бог параллельно надувать вложения вручную.
The platform is operated by SIA Viainvest, which has been controlled by the financial supervisory authority in Latvia since 2021 and is regulated in accordance with MiFID II.
There is no official contingency plan for this scenario. The condition of the Group is therefore crucial. This is clearly visible in the annual reports on the website, but unfortunately not always up to date. The VisaSMS Group has been operating very successfully for years (with the exception of during the Covid crisis), so there is no major threat to Viainvest. However, experience with other P2P providers has shown that this situation can change quite quickly. A regular look at the business figures is therefore generally recommended.
The good thing here is that Viainvest currently applied for an investment broker license, meaning they will have to adhere to very strict rules to ensure the investors funds are protected, which is a very good point here.
All P2P loans come with a basic risk. Although defaults on individual loans are protected by the buyback guarantee, if the ViaSMS Group were to become insolvent, our capital would be jeopardised. However, all signs currently point against this scenario.
Investors can only withdraw funds to the bank account from which the initial deposit was made. If you wish to register a new account for withdrawals, you’ll need to make a new deposit from the new personal account.