On 11 November 2016, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten, the AFM) published the first results of a consumer survey it held with respect to the regulations that are applicable to crowdfunding platforms as of 1 April 2016. The consumer survey is part of a bigger evaluation of the regulations that apply to crowdfunding platforms. The evaluation aims to improve the effectiveness of the supervision of the crowdfunding industry and the regulations that apply to the crowdfunding industry.

The first results of the evaluation show that some investors underestimate the risks of crowdfunding. A number of respondents indicated that the risk of failure of a crowdfunding project is less than 2,5%. However, on the basis of current knowledge, this is not a realistic estimate. In addition, about 40% of the respondents believe that the risks of participating in a crowdfunding project are lower than the risks associated with investing in securities or investment funds (beleggingsfondsen).

The AFM invites market parties to provide their input by answering a number of questions included in a discussion document and form published on the AFM’s website. The AFM expects to publish the results of its entire evaluation in the beginning of 2017.   

View the AFM’s new item (Dutch only), 11 November 2016.

View the AFM’s evaluation report (Dutch only), 11 November 2016.

View the discussion document (Dutch only), November 2016.

View the template answer form (Dutch only), November 2016.