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It has been three years since the peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where individuals directly connect and share files, was introduced into the financial sector. P2P investment, P2P lending, and P2P funding allow for simple transactions between individuals via online platforms, offering reasonable interest rates to both borrowers and investors. This has led to an expanding market.

P2P finance works by allowing those who need a loan to post the amount, reason, desired interest rate, and supporting documents (such as ID copies, property registration, and employment verification). Investors review these profiles to lend the requested amount at the agreed-upon rate. As this service mainly targets individuals with low credit scores, loan interest rates typically range from 10% to 30%. Initially considered a "high-risk, high-return" product, similar to cryptocurrency, P2P finance has entered a more stable phase over the past three years, showing consistent growth in areas such as immediate returns, small investments, and simple investments.

Recently, crowdfunding, a form of P2P finance, has rapidly gained popularity. With P2P loan products offering higher returns than bank savings accounts, interest in P2P lending products is expected to increase further.

As a result, the market for P2P site rankings and related services is expanding. These rankings can be helpful for those with limited experience in P2P investing. However, investors should exercise caution when reviewing these rankings and related information, as there are significant differences in methods and formats compared to traditional financial institutions. Since the market is still in its early stages, it is essential to be aware of unreliable information to avoid potential losses.

In response to this, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) introduced key points to consider when investing in P2P loans through their guide on "Important Points to Check When Investing in P2P Loan Products." First, investors should be fully aware that P2P investments carry the risk of principal loss and are high-risk products, which require diversification for effective risk management. For real estate-backed P2P products, it is essential to understand that these products may have weak collateral values. Additionally, P2P interest income is subject to a tax rate of 27.5%, although tax benefits may be available.

It is also advisable to check the reputation of P2P companies through online forums or communities. Investors should be cautious of companies offering excessive rewards or promotional events and should confirm the existence of systems like deposit separation and custodianship. Investments in companies not affiliated with the P2P Finance Association come with higher risks.

When referring to P2P site rankings, it is important to verify whether the rankings come from trustworthy institutions. Currently, P2P companies are not classified as regulated financial institutions under financial laws and are not subject to inspection by the Financial Supervisory Service. Therefore, first-time P2P investors should carefully analyze information such as loan defaults, investor reviews, and product details through portals, communities, and forums before making an investment decision.