LendInvest has received the first European rating from a regulated credit rating agency for a peer-to-peer platform.

It was given a rating of SQ1, from ARC Ratings, which is the highest rating possible from the agency. The rating was a Quality Assurance Rating, which assessed LendInvest’s ability to originate deal-flow, and its underwriting and servicing capabilities.

ARC Ratings said: “LendInvest displays strong corporate governance, a high level of transparency, and extensive systems and controls… The primary servicer rating [SQ1] reflects LendInvest’s robust internal controls/systems, servicing experience in the real estate lending and collections industry, and recent financial performance.”

Christian Faes (pictured), LendInvest’s CEO, said: “The fact that LendInvest was able to get a rating from a regulated credit rating agency, is a positive step for the whole peer-to-peer marketplace lending market in Europe.Credit ratings agencies are understandably cautious when looking at new business models like marketplace lending.

“However, this represents a move towards the mainstream for peer-to-peer and marketplace lending, and a real coup for LendInvest.”