Romanian Fintech Revolution: Best Credit IFN leading the way as first Romanian Non-Bank Financial Institution to collaborate with Bondster
In a groundbreaking move, Best Credit IFN, a Romanian non-banking financial institution (NBFI), has announced a strategic partnership with the European crowdfunding platform Bondster. This partnership marks a significant milestone as Best Credit IFN becomes the first Romanian NBFI to attract international capital through this innovative channel [1][2][4][5].
This collaboration is expected to have a triple impact over the next 18 months. Firstly, by leveraging Bondster's crowdfunding platform, Best Credit IFN will diversify its capital sources, enabling a rapid scale-up of its lending capacity to meet increasing market demand for fast, accessible financial solutions [2]. This is likely to translate to a marked increase in loan issuance within this period.
Secondly, access to international capital injections via this partnership supports Best Credit IFN’s strategic objective to expand beyond traditional funding mechanisms. This will help the company grow its market share in Romania and potentially beyond, tapping into the dynamic fintech environment [1][2][4].
Thirdly, diversification of capital sources is a critical factor in strengthening financial stability. By not relying solely on traditional financing, the partnership enhances Best Credit IFN's resilience to market fluctuations and credit risks, reinforcing its long-term sustainability [2][4].
Established 10 years ago, Best Credit IFN offers accessible and flexible lending solutions to customers. Over the past year, the company has experienced accelerated growth, doubling the number of loans issued [3]. The new capital source enhances the bank financing obtained by the company from OTP Bank in the last quarter of 2024.
Best Credit IFN continues to strengthen its position as an active fintech player. The company is investing in digitalization, advanced data analytics, and operational streamlining. The partnership between Best Credit IFN and Bondster is based on shared criteria of quality and financial ethics.
Bondster, a European peer-to-peer investment platform based in Prague, Czech Republic, connects retail investors with loan originators. The platform operates on a peer-to-peer lending model, promoting only low-risk loans. Since its launch in 2017, Bondster has facilitated millions of euros in investments across multiple markets, offering transparent, low-risk opportunities with buyback guarantees [6]. The platform is committed to financial inclusion, innovation, and building long-term partnerships that support responsible lending and sustainable growth.
Customers are benefiting from faster credit access, stable financial terms, and a more efficient lending experience. Lavinia Ungureanu, CEO of Best Credit IFN, stated that the partnership confirms the trust that international investors place in their business model and contributes to the enhancement of the local microfinance market [7]. Best Credit IFN anticipates a major impact in the next 12-18 months, with a 50% increase in new loan volume by the end of 2025, and a cumulative growth of approximately 90% by the end of 2026 [8].
Crowdfunding financing represents a valuable strategic alternative for the local NBFC (non-banking financial companies) market and has a positive impact on the local economy. The average loan value has increased from 3,300 lei to 4,000 lei, demonstrating the confidence that both investors and borrowers have in Best Credit IFN's business model.
In summary, this partnership with Bondster enables Best Credit IFN to scale up lending volumes significantly, accelerate growth through new capital inflows, and build greater financial resilience, positioning it strongly for the competitive fintech landscape over the next 18 months [1][2][4][5].
In this strategic alliance with Bondster, Best Credit IFN plans to expand its financial services by tapping into the fintech market, utilizing funding sources beyond traditional methods [1]. This collaboration with the European crowdfunding platform is expected to provide Best Credit IFN with further capital to grow its business in the industry, particularly in the Romania market [2].
