Lending vs Saving: Why Traditional Bank Accounts Are Losing the Race

Saving money in today’s economic climate often means losing purchasing power. This article explains why ordinary savings accounts can underperform—even before inflation—and how P2P lending offers a compelling alternative for investors seeking real returns.

Bank Savings vs Inflation

As of late 2025, euro-area deposit rates remain low: ~0.3% for overnight accounts and under 2% for fixed-term deposits. However, inflation is expected to ease to around 1.6–1.9% in 2026.

This means:

  • A 1% nominal bank return could translate into –0.6% real return after inflation.
  • Even a 2% deposit rate may leave your purchasing power stagnant or slightly declining once inflation is considered.

P2P Lending: A Path to Real Yield

By contrast, European P2P platforms typically offer 10–14% annual nominal returns. After adjusting for 1.8% inflation, that equates to a real return of 8–12%, preserving and growing real wealth.

The Opportunity Cost: A Clear Comparison

Consider €10,000 invested under two scenarios:

  • Bank deposit at 2%: €200/year → ~€17/month, losing value after inflation.
  • P2P investment at 12%: €1,200/year → ~€100/month, with reinvestment potential.

The difference: over 5× more monthly income from P2P, making low-rate bank savings a costly missed opportunity.

Inflation: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Inflation is projected at 1.6% in 2026, dipping as low as 1.4% in early 2026, and returning to 2% by 2027. Savings accounts fail to keep pace, while P2P returns continue to deliver substantial real yields even in a moderate-inflation environment.

Why Investors Should Care

  • Real purchasing power: Bank accounts seldom match inflation. P2P offers a hedge and opportunity for growth.
  • Predictable income: Monthly payouts with potential automation make P2P a steady source of passive income.
  • Compounding effect: Reinvest interest to grow income faster and sustainably.

Why Hive5?

Not all P2P platforms offer the same level of security and profitability. From many feedback which we collected on Trustpilot.com, here are the most common advantages for our investors:

  • High returns. Investors invest to earn the highest possible profit. Thus, investors on hive5 enjoy an average return of around 15%, which is above the average.
  • Zero late loans. More importantly, we operate under a zero-late-loan policy. We ensure that investors receive their expected payments on time. If a borrower fails to pay, hive5 provides immediate repayment and separately manages the debt collection process.
  • Transparency and trust. We prioritise clear communication and full transparency. Investors can access real-time data, loan originator performance reports, and detailed borrower profiles. Furthermore, our rating on Trustpilot is 4.5, which demonstrates our commitment to investor satisfaction and trust.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Final Takeaway

Low-yield bank accounts may feel safe—but in inflationary environments, safe can cost your wealth. P2P lending via a reputable platform like Hive5 offers much greater returns, backable by monthly payouts and compounding. It’s a strategic step for investors seeking to preserve and grow real wealth.

Sources

CEO AMA: Answering the Top 5 Questions from Our Investor Community

At hive5, we regularly receive thoughtful questions from our investors. To clarify matters for all our investors, we’re addressing the most frequently asked questions openly. In this blog post, our CEO, Aurimas Kačinskas, answers those questions, offering clarity on our direction, transparency, and what’s ahead.

1. What steps is hive5 taking to ensure the platform remains safe and transparent for investors?

Investor security is our top priority. While we are still in the process of implementing some enhancements, we are actively transitioning toward a stronger operational model. This includes establishing a professional board, enhancing internal processes, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, we publish detailed monthly performance updates and key metrics. With no delays in interest payments and a transparent loan structure. Ultimately, our primary objective is to maintain investor trust through consistency and accountability.

2. What is your vision for hive5 in the next 12–24 months? Are there any big milestones ahead?

We’re moving from a startup phase into a structured financial group. Over the next two years, we aim to:

  • Continue developing our governance model to ensure it brings the greatest value once implemented.
  • Add more loan originators on hive5.
  • Further automate risk assessment and reporting tools.
  • Strengthen our IT and user interface.

3. When can we expect audited financial reports?

This is one of the most sensitive and important questions we’ve been receiving recently. At the same time, we understand why this question is so important. The group is undergoing its first-ever full audit for 2023 and 2024. It’s a complex, multi-country process that involves coordination with Deloitte and several external partners.

Our CFO is actively managing this process, and while it has taken longer than expected, we are committed to delivering high-quality, transparent reports. At the same time, we do not want to set false expectations about timing. Future audits will be smoother, and publishing reliable, audited results remains our top financial priority. I’m confident that the final result will bring long-term value to our investors and the organisation.

4. What upcoming features or improvements will enhance the investor experience?

Improving the platform is an ongoing priority — we know there’s always room to do better. With new leadership now in place, we’re focusing on completing key initiatives this year and laying the groundwork for more significant platform updates starting in 2026. Investor feedback remains central to our development roadmap, and we’re committed to prioritising features that deliver the most value.

5. What motivated you to join hive5, and what excites you most about leading the company? Do you personally invest in P2P loans and if so, how do you approach it?

I’ve always worked in the financial sector, so naturally, I was looking for an innovative fintech company with strong market potential, and hive5 fits that perfectly. What attracted me to hive5 was its ambitious vision and the energy of its team.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop a platform that gives investors access to a transparent and stable investment environment. And yes, I personally invest in P2P loans. My approach is structured, long-term, and focused on diversification, much like what we recommend to our users.

Your questions help us grow and stay accountable. If you have more questions, we invite you to send: support@hive5.com

Stable Growth in June: Hive5 Reaches €111M in Funded Loans

Although the holiday season is beginning, at hive5 we’re pleased to see no slowdown from our investors. Quite the opposite, engagement remains strong, and our platform continues to deliver consistent results. In June, we maintained stable performance. With more than 111 million  EUR funded since inception and a growing investor base, we have finished the first half of 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at the main business highlights for June:

  • Total loan volume funded since inception: 111,166,836 EUR
  • Loan volume funded in June: 5,932,506 EUR
  • Number of loans originated: 7,083
  • Average nominal interest rate: 15%
  • Total registered investors: 26,465

We’re especially happy to note that June’s loan volume was 7.8% higher than in May (5,503,968 EUR), showing steady growth in investor activity and borrower demand. 

At the same time, we’ve been actively refining our long-term direction. With new leadership and team members settling in, June has been all about planning and setting clear goals for the next phase of hive5’s growth. As autumn comes, we expect to introduce new updates and improvements across the board. Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re building something lasting, month by month.

Stay tuned, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Governance & Leadership: What It Means for Investors

As Hive Finance Group continues to grow, the way we structure our business must improve, too. Effective governance isn’t just about hierarchy. It’s about creating a stable basis for long-term performance. For investors, this means transparency, accountability, and clear decision-making. 

A New Leadership Chapter

Recently, we welcomed Aurimas Kačinskas as the new CEO of Hive Finance Group. He previously worked as CEO of various markets within the Creditinfo Group, one of the leading credit departments globally, gaining direct experience across multiple markets, including Romania, which is now a key focus for Hive Finance Group’s upcoming expansion. With deep experience in international business and leadership, Aurimas brings the operational discipline needed to scale. 

Additionally, Aleksejus Tonkich joined as our new Chief Financial Officer. His experience includes over two decades in central and commercial banking. Most recently, Aleksejus held a top leadership role at Medicinos Bankas and worked at the Bank of Lithuania. His understanding of financial compliance, reporting, and risk control is essential for a growing financial group like ours.

Together, Aurimas and Aleksejus bring a deep focus on internal controls, sustainable growth, and professional discipline.

Why Does It Matter?

Effective governance builds confidence, which brings all investors the main advantages: 

  • Clear financial reporting
  • Responsible risk management
  • Faster and more efficient decision-making

In fact, companies with strong internal governance, such as a strong board structure and effective accountability mechanisms, report reduced investor concerns and smoother performance. Additionally, experts note that transparent financial reporting and third-party audits often lead to improved access to capital and lower funding costs.* As a result, investors benefit from better clarity, stability, and long-term alignment which is backed by  research-proven best practices.

At Hive Finance Group, we’re building a professional board, a crucial step as we shift from a startup phase to a structured business model. The board already includes key figures, such as Andrius Rupšys, now Chairman of the Board, who remains closely involved in defining strategy, as well as newly appointed executives: Aurimas Kačinskas and Aleksejus Tonkich.

Eventually, this setup enables us to expand into more markets with greater clarity and reduced risk. On the other hand, it also strengthens internal accountability. 

To Sum Up

With these changes, we are scaling up and improving our business. Our promise to the people who trust us with their capital is now backed by a stronger leadership structure and a clear long-term vision.

Thank you for your trust. We’ll continue to keep you informed.

Sources

https://virtusinterpress.org/IMG/pdf/jgrv10i1art2.pdf

An Update on Hive Finance Group’s Consolidated Reporting

Audited financial statements are a key topic for many of our investors. And we fully understand your interest. As we have communicated on multiple occasions, transparency and reporting are crucial, particularly in the financial sector and within our company. Thus, we appreciate your concern.

Over the past few months, we’ve received questions about when Hive Finance Group’s consolidated financials for 2023 and 2024 will be published. While we hoped to release them sooner, this process has proven more complex and time-consuming than anticipated. Let us explain why. Why does it take so long?

1. From Startup to Structure: Our First Full Audit

Following the recent leadership change, Hive Finance Group initiated a complete financial audit for 2023 and 2024. The new management has introduced higher quality standards and ambitious goals, which are ultimately beneficial for the entire organisation and its stakeholders. This is the first time the entire group is undergoing a consolidated audit process. As expected, the first time is never simple. Coordination across multiple companies, countries, and accounting teams requires extensive cross-checks and reconciliations.

Furthermore, audit firms are under huge workload pressure, especially top-tier auditors we’ve engaged. Due to their high demand, time allocation becomes a matter of compromise, which affects the audit timeline. 

2. Transfer Pricing Methodology Implementation

Another very important milestone for our group of companies was achieved in April 2024. When Hive Finance Group completed its Transfer Pricing Methodology in collaboration with Deloitte. This is a needed document for a group of related companies operating internationally. It ensures that intercompany transactions are fully compliant with tax regulations in different jurisdictions. 

After we received this methodology, we had to make adjustments to reflect compensating payments between entities for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. These accounting entries affected previously prepared financial statements and required additional work to reconcile group balances. Importantly, this does not affect the group’s overall financial results. However, it does require full clarity before we can complete any audit.

We Are Committed 

We understand investors’ concern and urgency to see results, but we want to ensure that this is a significant, multi-country, multi-stakeholder process. Auditors, tax advisors, accountants, and group leaders are involved. For us, the main requirement is quality, and quality cannot be rushed. «Preparing the group’s financial statements is one of our top priorities. Even though the process is complex and requires coordination across multiple countries and partners, I’m confident that the final result will bring long-term value to our investors and the organization,» – says Aleksejus Tonkich, CFO of Hive finance.

At the same time, we do not want to set false expectations about timing. The new structure we’re implementing is long-term, and once it’s in place, future audits will be significantly faster and smoother.

What to Expect?

  • Audited financial reports will be published as soon as the process is finalised and approved.
  • We will continue sharing regular performance updates through monthly reviews and platform data.

These internal improvements are driven by a commitment to higher quality standards, not financial performance. In fact, the numbers speak for themselves. Hive5 has already funded over 105 million EUR  in total loan volume since inception. Most importantly, investors continue to receive their returns on time as there are no delays across any loan repayments to date. To date, hive5 has already paid out 2.5 million EUR in interest to its investors.

Thank you for your trust. We’ll share updates as soon as there is meaningful news, but until then, be assured that the work is ongoing, strategic, and aligned with our growth as a professional financial group.

If you have any further questions, our team is always available: support@hive5.com

Hive5 May Review: Welcoming Summer with Steady Growth

Summer has just begun, but there’s no slowing down at hive5. While some are planning their vacations, we’re continuing to focus on delivering consistent results. 

In May, hive5 once again showed stable performance across key results. We are especially satisfied with increased originated loan volume compared to April.

Let’s take a closer look at the main business highlights for May:

  • Total loan volume funded since inception: 105,234,331 EUR
  • Loan volume funded in May: 5,503,968 EUR 
  • Number of loans originated in May: 8,925
  • Average nominal interest rate: 15%
  • Registered investors: 25 734

We’re glad to see continued trust of our investors. The consistent returns ensure the growing results, especially in today’s unpredictable market.

Meanwhile, we’re putting a lot of effort into strengthening our business strategy. As the new members are already making a real impact, bringing fresh insights, refining processes, and helping shape a stronger platform. 

As always, thank you for being part of hive5. We promise to keep improving.

Let’s make this summer a productive one.

Introducing Hive Finance Group’s New CFO: Aleksejus Tonkich

Today, we want to introduce a new Hive Finance Group team member – Aleksejus Tonkich, our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and our newly appointed governance member. He strengthens our company with over 25 years of financial and banking experience, including significant expertise gained at the Bank of Lithuania – the country’s central bank and financial markets regulator. Thus, Aleksejus is a well-recognised figure in the Lithuanian financial sector. His career goes step by step with Hive Finance’s values and future vision. 

A Proven Track Record in Finance and Governance

As we’ve mentioned before, we’re currently upgrading and strengthening the governance structure at Hive Finance. Aleksejus is joining as a key part of this transformation. Currently, our governance team includes Andrius Rupšys, Aurimas Kačinskas, and Aleksejus Tonkich. The CFO will ensure profitability, timely financial reporting for investors, and long-term financial sustainability. He will also oversee day-to-day financial performance. Meanwhile, the board will take care of strategic expansion into new markets and manage key business risks.

Aleksejus started his career at the Bank of Lithuania,  where he worked from 1997 to 2008. Beginning as an economist in the Accounting Department, he quickly progressed to Deputy Head of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Division. His main responsibilities were developing the Bank’s accounting policy, planning and analysing budgets, preparing annual financial statements, and liaising with external auditors.

Notably, one of his significant achievements was successfully transforming the central bank’s accounting and reporting systems to go side by side with the European System of Central Banks. During this time, he also completed a four-month internship at the European Central Bank, accordingly gaining valuable international insights.

In 2008, Aleksejus joined Medicinos Bankas, where he served for 15 years. He led the Accounting and Reporting Department and was later appointed Deputy CEO and CFO. His responsibilities included full financial oversight, crisis management during the 2009 global recession, strategic planning for euro adoption in Lithuania and collaboration with investors during a 2018 bond issuance. He also played a key role in shaping the transformation strategy of Medicinos Bankas into what is now Urbo Bankas.

Aleksejus’ Vision for Hive Finance

Aleksejus joins Hive Finance with a clear strategic vision. He plans to bring long-term commercial banking expertise into the business. The new CFO will focus on deep process analysis and accurate risk representation in financial reporting. His goal is to contribute significantly to strategic planning at the group level.

«My vision is sustainable and ambitious growth for the Hive Finance Group, making the most of market opportunities while maintaining financial clarity and responsibility,» says Aleksejus.

A Confident Step Forward 

With Aleksejus’ support, we are confident that Hive Finance Group will be ready to face any challenges and grow responsibly across Europe. His knowledge of public and private sector finance, analytical approach, and proven leadership make him one of the main leaders of Hive Finance’s next chapter.

We’re glad to have Aleksejus on board and appreciate that he is sharing his long-standing experience with our team. We believe in a successful collaboration and look forward to achieving great results together

From Vision to Execution: Hive5 Strengthens Leadership and Investor Focus

At Hive5 and across the Hive Finance Group, growth is no longer a startup aspiration – it’s a strategic reality. As part of our governance structure upgrade, we are entering a new leadership chapter to support operational expansion, investor trust, and long-term market scalability. 

This transformation marks the official appointment of Aurimas Kačinskas as the new CEO of Hive Finance Group and Hive5. While the title is new, Aurimas has been actively involved in the organization for the past three months as a strategic advisor, working closely with Andrius Rupšys.

From the very beginning, both shared a common vision for the company’s direction and culture. During this period, Aurimas became closely familiar with the team and ongoing initiatives, and his contribution has already strengthened our strategic focus as we prepare for the next phase — operational scalability, international expansion, and long-term resilience. This transition reflects not only a leadership change, but a thoughtful step forward in our evolution as a scale-up.

Meanwhile, Andrius Rupšys, who successfully navigated Hive Finance Group through its scale-up phase, will transition into the role of Chairman of the Board.

More Structured Governance Model

As Hive5 develops into a scale-up enterprise, so does the complexity of managing teams.  A clear governance model is essential for transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. 

Right now, we are actively preparing for the formation of a professional board. We’re implementing a more defined leadership framework, appointing experienced board members, and aligning executive roles to support rapid growth.

Several key steps are already underway: refining our strategy, clarifying responsibilities, identifying suitable board candidates, completing legal formalities, and preparing for the first official board meeting. As with any such transition, it takes time due to regulatory requirements and formal procedures. However, this remains one of our top priorities and an important step toward strengthening Hive Finance Group for the future.

Meet Aurimas Kačinskas: CEO of Hive Finance Group and Hive5

Aurimas Kačinskas brings extensive experience in international business development, team building, and operational transformation. With a strong background in managing companies through growth and crisis, Aurimas is known for his structured, people-focused leadership style.

He previously worked as CEO of different markets of Creditinfo Group, one of leading credit bureaus globally, gaining direct experience across various markets — including Romania, which is now a key focus for Hive Finance Group’s upcoming expansion. His background in the Romanian financial sector provides valuable insight into navigating regulated environments and scaling operations efficiently.

«The whole Hive Finance Group is transitioning from startup energy to sustainable growth, scaling with strong governance at its core. My role will be to empower teams, strengthen our operational foundations, and ensure Hive Finance Group will reach sustainable success in multiple markets,» says Aurimas Kačinskas.

In addition, it’s important to highlight Aurimas’ extensive experience in launching new markets, his sharp and detail-oriented approach to risk management, and his strong ability to identify and develop new business opportunities. His deep understanding of operational strategy and market dynamics makes him a key asset in leading Hive Finance Group into its next stage of sustainable growth.

The Vision Remains Strong

While leadership evolves, our core strategy remains unchanged. Hive5 will continue to expand its product portfolio, improve its IT infrastructure, and develop new loan originators in regulated markets. 

Our recent performance milestones, including surpassing 100 million EUR in funded loans and a growing investor base of 25,000+, signal that the timing for this leadership evolution is right.

Continuity with Change

Andrius Rupšys, the visionary behind Hive5’s rapid early growth, remains central to the Group’s success as Chairman of the Board. His insights, vision, and leadership will guide the company from a governance perspective, while Aurimas will manage day-to-day operations.

This transition was carefully considered and thoroughly planned over an extended period. From the beginning, Andrius took the CEO role in an interim position to define the new leadership structure. With the appointment of Aurimas, Hive Finance Group is now positioned to deliver even greater performance across all regions.

What’s Next?

  • Formation of a full professional board (in progress)
  • Continued governance updates to align with international investor expectations
  • Launch of new markets and expansion of the loan originator network
  • Ongoing platform and product improvements

For our investor community, this means a more stable foundation, clearer communication, and a structure that’s built to support consistent, sustainable growth. We’re grateful for your continued trust and excited to build an even stronger Hive Finance Group — together.

Milestone Achieved: Hive5 Reaches €100M in Funded Loans

We’re happy to share a major milestone – hive5 has officially funded over €100M in total loan volume. This achievement was reached in less than three years since its launch. It reflects the steady trust and support from our growing investor community. Moreover, more than 25,000 registered investors have joined hive5, which continues to rise monthly.

Behind the Growth: The Ekspres Pozyczka

Our lending operations play a key role in reaching this milestone. One great example is Ekspres Pozyczka in Poland, our first loan originator, which now operates profitably and independently. It’s a clear sign of operational maturity and financial strength – a result we aim to repeat in every new market we enter.

Always on Time

Reliability is what keeps our community growing. One of our recent Trustpilot reviews captures this perfectly: «I’ve been investing with Hive5 for a while now, and it’s been like clockwork. Interest payments are never delayed, everything is clear, and the platform is easy to use. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for stable returns.»

Another highlight is our current 4.4 rating on Trustpilot, which represents the consistent experience we deliver daily: no delays, full transparency, and stable performance. We’re proud to share that we have never missed an interest payment.

To every investor, thank you. We appreciate your trust and look forward to reaching even more.

Hive5 April Review: Steady Results and a Milestone Approaching

April was another month of steady performance for hive5. While markets remain uncertain, we’re proud to maintain consistent loan origination and strong investor engagement. One milestone is now close to reaching – hive5 has almost reached 100 million EUR in total loan volume funded since inception.

Let’s take a closer look at the main business highlights for April:

  • Total loan volume funded since inception: 99,731,398 EUR
  • Loan volume funded in April: 5,496,993 EUR
  • Number of loans originated in April: 9,887
  • Average nominal interest rate: 15%
  • Registered investors: 25 529

We’ve received requests about the statistics page on the hive5 website, which was temporarily unavailable. During the pause, our IT team has been improving data accuracy and automation. Eventually, the technical updates have been completed. We appreciate your patience. Click here to view the statistics page.

As we prepare to cross the 100M EUR funded milestone, we remain committed to transparent communication with our investors. With your continued support, we’re ready to aim even higher.

In line with this commitment, we’re pleased to share that our Spanish loan originator has officially changed its legal name from MANA CONCEPT, S.L. to NECTAR CAPITAL, S.L.

This change reflects a thoughtful decision to align the company’s identity more closely with its financial services. While the name «MANA CONCEPT» carried a creative and abstract tone – more associated with consulting and innovation, the new name, «NECTAR CAPITAL,» clearly focuses on finance and capital management activities.

Why Did We Need the Change?

Spain is one of Hive Finance Group’s key markets, and we are preparing for further expansion in this region. As we plan to broaden our services and strengthen our position, having a name that associates more directly with investors, partners, and clients became essential.

The word «Capital» projects confidence, clarity, and credibility – qualities especially important in the financial sector. Additionally, it helps establish a more apparent connection between our brand and our services.

Moreover, in the financial industry, it is common practice (and often encouraged by regulators) to choose company names that directly reflect the nature of the business. By adopting NECTAR CAPITAL, S.L., we ensure that our brand image matches market expectations.

Commenting on the change, Andrius Rupšys, CEO of Hive Finance, says: «This update marks an important step in strengthening our Spanish operations and presenting ourselves to investors and partners with greater clarity. NECTAR CAPITAL, S.L.,l better represents who we are today – a focused, growing financial institution committed to transparency and long-term success.»

Continuity and Future Vision

The name change is purely legal and formal. All existing agreements, partnerships, and commitments remain valid and unchanged.

As NECTAR CAPITAL, S.L., we move forward with renewed energy and believe this change will contribute positively to building even stronger relationships with our investors and partners.