Alternative Finance (Crowdfunding) Regulation in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Balancing Act
Peer Reviewed
Date issued
Sep 2016
Subject
Financial Regulation;
Financial Market;
Consumer Protection;
Small Business;
Financial Service;
Credit Risk;
Access to Finance;
Productive Development Policy
JEL code
G23 - Non-bank Financial Institutions • Financial Instruments • Institutional Investors;
G28 - Government Policy and Regulation
Category
Discussion Papers
Alternative finance (AF) or "crowdfunding" is the most notable financial technology (fintech) business model in Latin America and the Caribbean. Although still small in volume, reaching US$110.46 million across the region, its rapid growth poses a challenge for regulators. This paper offers a conceptual understanding of the typical enterprise model for AF, and from it describes the main challenges for regulators. It proposes recommendations for policymakers and regulators, taking into account the need for balance and proportion in terms of the nature, size, and character of the platform.
