Maclear Research survey reveals how yield thresholds shape risk appetite in P2P crowdlending

European investors in P2P crowdlending are quite selective about risk: they accept some uncertainty, but only when profitability crosses a clear threshold. A new survey by Maclear finds that 93% of respondents consider projects “worth the risk” only if annual yields exceed 12%, with more than half targeting returns above 15%. Yields below 8% are largely dismissed.

The study also shows how investors define their tolerance levels. 65% say they are open to moderate risk in exchange for higher returns, while just 24% are willing to take high risks for potentially greater rewards. Another 16% avoid risk altogether and choose safer, lower-yielding options.

When evaluating projects, repayment ability dominates decision-making: 58% of respondents name borrower default as their top concern, far ahead of other risks such as weak legal protection (29%), exchange rate volatility (14%), or the platform’s country of origin (13%). Investors also want safeguards: 45% consider risk ratings decisive, and 35% highlight the importance of collateral backing, such as property or equipment.

Investment horizons reflect the same cautious mindset. 47% prefer lending terms of 6–12 months, while only 5% are comfortable with maturities beyond two years. Shorter commitments allow investors to minimize uncertainty while still capturing high yields. Nearly 60% of respondents also spread funds across multiple platforms as part of their risk management strategy.

“European P2P investors are not following their returns blindly. They set clear thresholds, weigh risks against profitability, and use diversification to manage exposure. This balance between caution and opportunity is turning crowdlending into a stable part of the alternative investment market,” says Alexander Lang, CFO & Co-Founder of Maclear.

About

Further results are available in the complete report. Maclear is a Swiss crowdlending platform that connects investors with real-world business projects, offering fixed annual returns of up to 15%. Since its launch in 2021, the platform has facilitated over €30.7 million in funding, with more than €5.9 million already repaid — all while maintaining a zero-default record.

Today, over 21,000 EU-resident investors trust Maclear for its reliable, transparent, and accessible investment opportunities. With more than 130 projects funded across 13 EU countries, Maclear continues to strengthen its presence in Europe, with the highest activity in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Italy.