tag: capital markets

The world of corporate financing has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While traditional bank lending remains a dominant external source of funding for businesses, alternative, capital market-based financing channels are playing an increasingly important role. This trend is further reinforced by the introduction of a new market participant from April 2026: the loan originating investment fund, which provides access to funding for companies that would not be able to obtain financing in the traditional banking market.

The decision of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 10 has stirred significant attention, as it granted approval for the listing of certain products based on Bitcoin on the stock exchange. The impact of this decision on the European and American securities markets, and whether similar steps will be taken, depends largely on the details – including the names assigned to cryptocurrency-based products.

Investment funds are generally considered a complex, collective, highly specialised form of investment. However, an amendment that came into force from January this year, will allow a much wider range of participants to set up investment funds and fund management companies. And these funds can present very favourable opportunities, whether for acquisition purposes or for holding private assets.

Thanks to the virtual mobility afforded by the internet, a growing number of people today are using online trading platforms to buy and sell foreign securities through brokers abroad. However, these investors in foreign stock markets are often gambling not only with their money, but with the tax system, too – often without even being aware of it.