Webtransfer: From a Pioneer of Social Lending to a Decentralized Future

In 2006, Webtransfer began its operations as a global money transfer service with offices in London, Moscow, Miami, New York, Shanghai, Cape Town, Mumbai, and Singapore, providing services worldwide. In 2013, building on this international business, Webtransfer launched a social credit network headquartered in Miami, supported by Webtransfer Corp in New York and Webtransfer Europe Ltd in the UK, the latter holding an FCA license for money transfers, cementing its presence as a leading global hub for social lending.

In 2013, Webtransfer introduced a revolutionary platform where any social network user, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, VK, and others, could participate. The platform allowed registered users to borrow and lend amounts from $50 to $1,000 for periods ranging from 3 to 30 days, backed by a Guarantee Fund formed from the lenders’ profits, ensuring the return of their investments.

By October 2014, the number of users in Webtransfer, the first social credit network, exceeded one million participants. The company’s proposed social model of mutual P2P lending convincingly demonstrated not only its viability but also its advantages over traditional lending institutions.

By May 2015, the network had nearly 5 million participants from different countries, with daily transactions exceeding $45 million, indicating explosive growth and confirming the effectiveness of the P2P lending model offered by the company.

In 2015, Webtransfer made a breakthrough by launching Webtransfer VISA debit cards. This move, a first in the world, allowed participants to instantly transfer money to each other and to issue and receive loans directly, card-to-card, bypassing the need to top up personal accounts. This innovative solution significantly increased the number of participants and the volume of credit transactions, strengthening Webtransfer’s position and highlighting its role in the evolution of fintech.

By 2017, the number of participants in the social credit network had exceeded 10 million people. Despite economic crises, the mutual aid model flourished, allowing millions of people to provide financial support with just one click, circumventing traditional financial institutions. This model was enhanced by allowing participants to earn before sharing with the network, ensuring growth and stability even in times of instability.

An important milestone in Webtransfer’s history underscores its role as a fintech pioneer. Before major cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance became well-known, Webtransfer occupied a unique niche by creating the first non-custodial P2P exchange for electronic currencies, including the then-emerging cryptocurrencies. This platform was equipped with a transaction guarantee system, making it not only innovative but also a secure tool for participants wanting to engage with electronic currencies.

Thanks to its progressive functionality, the Webtransfer P2P exchange enjoyed widespread popularity among users, allowing them not only to profit from currency rates but also to contribute to the development of a new era of digital finance. Many participants still remember it as an important and reliable tool for earning, further emphasizing Webtransfer’s innovative spirit and leadership in the early stages of the cryptocurrency market’s development.

At the end of 2017, Webtransfer had to close its card program due to changes in VISA’s policy on issuing co-branded cards. This forced measure marked the end of one of the most vibrant chapters in the company’s history, leaving behind a legacy of striving for innovation and improving financial operations for its users.

Following this, Webtransfer entered a period of rethinking its strategy and exploring new paths for development. The team tirelessly worked on innovations and studied alternative ways to fulfill its mission of democratizing financial services.

During these years, Webtransfer actively explored technological trends and user needs, carefully analyzing the financial services market. The team came to understand that blockchain technology offers a unique opportunity to rethink financial operations, ensuring transparency, security, and accessibility of services.

Inspired by the potential of blockchain, Webtransfer made a bold decision to decentralize its social credit network and launch credit operations on the blockchain. This move aims to create a more open, secure, and accessible financial ecosystem with active user participation.

The transition to decentralization was a logical step in the development of Webtransfer, considering current trends in technology and finance. This strategic move opens up opportunities for the company to innovate and create new services. It is expected that the development of tools and services aimed at enhancing financial literacy and facilitating access to credit products will play a significant role in increasing user engagement and satisfaction.

Webtransfer’s development demonstrates an unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptation to a changing world, where every obstacle is seen as an opportunity for further growth and improvement.

In 2024, with plans to transition to a decentralized platform, Webtransfer aims to establish itself as a leader in the field of social mutual lending, using blockchain to ensure transparency and security of operations. This step is aimed at strengthening trust and expanding opportunities for users, highlighting the company’s commitment to creating a global community where financial support and interaction become even more accessible and reliable.

Webtransfer’s trajectory from a simple social credit network to a decentralized platform underscores its innovative spirit and commitment to improving the financial well-being and connectivity of the global community. The new services and opportunities provided by the updated project are expected to strengthen Webtransfer’s role as an innovator in the rapidly evolving landscape of social finance.