Investment platforms and their role in the development of financial innovations

Aim. The presented study aims to analytically assess the operating conditions of investment platforms and to substantiate the importance of their development as a driver for promoting financial innovations. Tasks. The authors determine the place of investment platforms in the system of factors affecting the development of financial innovations; investigate and compare the key operating conditions of investment platforms; identify the most suitable investment platforms depending on the purpose of fundraising; comparatively analyze the performance of investment platforms according to annual reports and identify leaders according to the indicators under consideration. Methods. This study uses the dialectical systems approach, systematization, comparison, logical analysis, and general scientific methods. Results. The study compares the key operating conditions of investment platforms and identifies the most suitable investment platforms depending on the purpose of fundraising. Based on data from the annual performance reports of investment platform operators, a comparative analysis is performed and leaders in terms of such indicators as the amount of loans and investment are identified. In addition, the authors determine the place of investment platform development in the system of factors affecting the development of financial innovations. Conclusions. Based on the performed analysis and trends in the development of the financial technology market, the authors conclude that the use of investment platforms offers undoubted advantages, namely: for investors – a low entry threshold, for the business – an opportunity to quickly get low-cost financing for a business project without collateral. Being an innovative way of attracting financial investment, investment platforms act as a key driver in the development of financial innovations.