Laimonas Noreika is the CEO of Finbee, a p2p lending service that launched last week and is open to international investors starting today.
What is Finbee about?
FinBee is about borrowing for less and earning more when investing. We also are most user friendly p2p lending platform in Lithuania.
What are the three main advantages for investors?
Firstly, our loans have high interest rate – from 10 to 40 percent. That means, that investor can expect higher return of investment, compared to other p2p lending platforms. Secondly, we have reliable software, that is developed by UK based Madiston. That means, that it is tested and extremely user friendly from day one. And finally, we pay great attention to selection of borrowers, so that the risk for investors is minimized as much as possible. On top of that, we invest 10 percent on total sum into each and every loan, so we share the risk with investors. In the near future we also will introduce compensation fund that in an unlikely case of borrower defaulting on its loan will compensate lenders their investment.
What are the three main advantages for borrowers?
I would say that first and foremost, we offer cheaper loans than most of the players in Lithuanian market, including banks, payday loan companies and credit unions. This is achieved by implementing auction principle when borrowing. That means, that borrower can set interest rate ceiling, for example 15 percent. Lenders then are able to offer lower interest rate, therefore making loan interest rate for the borrower as little as 12 or 13 percent. This is free market at its finest, when the market sets the real interest rate for the benefit of the borrower. Secondly, we are very consumer friendly. We talk, look like and do our business like majority of our clients. We know, what they want and we are doing our best to meet those expectations. Lastly, we have a fair commission policy. That means that if borrower has high credit rating, our commission is lower.
What ROI can investors expect?
How did you start Finbee? Is the company funded with venture capital?
FinBee started little over a year ago, when I quit my position as a CMO in one Lithuanian company and started everything from scratch: examining the market, getting know-how, attracting investors and partners, picking up experienced team members. Big breakthrough moment was when Madiston became our partner and we got a technological edge against our local competitors
Is the technical platform self-developed?
No, software is provided by Madiston, whose Tim Simon is also member of FinBee board. Tim has an extensive experience of delivering successful applications to the Financial Technology marketplace as a founder and CEO of Quotient plc and Mondas plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange and AIM respectively.
I would say, that always explaining that I and COO of the company Darius Noreika are not in any way related despite the same surname 🙂 On a serious note – finding right partners and team members.
How do you see the regulatory situation in Lithuania?
It is good and getting even better. We and other p2p companies that are already in business or are about to launch, formed an association that is working in cooperation with regulatory institutions. In autumn, a new legislation, which was prepared by Bank of Lithuania, will be presented to the parliament, which if passed, will make regulatory situation even better.
Compared to the UK or US market, what is the state of p2p lending in Lithuania?
It’s in its baby steps. We have an advantage of operating in high interest market, therefore we have a lot to offer for investors and lenders from abroad. Also, our operational costs are lower, as in Lithuania young workforce is very professional and educated, yet still considerably cheaper, compared to western countries.
Which marketing channels do you use to attract investors and borrowers?
All of them, including and not limited to TV, radio, online advertising, OOH, social networks and PR campaign. We use 360° Marketing strategy.
Do you plan an international expansion?
Yes, we are now actively looking for markets, where we can be competitive. Also, we are open for new investors to grow business together.
Where do you see FinBee in 3 years?
Sky is the limit. We strive to be a strong international and most user friendly p2p lender.
P2P-Banking.com thanks Laimonas Noreikafor the interview.