Skew, a Switzerland-regulated peer-to-peer lending platform with a debit card, provides crypto users access to the lending market while enjoying traditional services.
While decentralized finance (DeFi) has made significant strides in recent years, the global lending market remains mainly in the hands of traditional institutions. Banks and centralized platforms continue to act as gatekeepers, sidelining smaller borrowers and individual investors.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending presents an alternative by removing intermediaries and enabling direct capital exchange. Despite carrying a huge potential, factors such as regulatory uncertainty, low consumer trust and the technical complexity of many crypto platforms have hindered its mass adoption.
With a current P2P market size of approximately $250 billion and with estimates of $1 trillion by 2032, the P2P platform dynamic is shifting. Much like Uber reimagined transport and Airbnb reshaped accommodation, a new generation of platforms is rethinking P2P finance, merging blockchain’s transparency and automation with interfaces designed for everyday users.
One such platform is Skew, a registered Switzerland-based peer-to-peer crowdlending platform. Skew directly connects lenders and accredited borrowers using either fiat or digital currencies, making lending simpler and more accessible while also eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. By removing middlemen, lenders achieve higher returns, borrowers enjoy better access to capital, and both sides benefit from greater overall value.
Rebuilding finance around users
Skew users bypass centralized lenders by connecting directly with others to negotiate terms in a P2P environment. Borrowers select their preferred assets or post crypto as collateral, while lenders have the flexibility to fund loans using fiat or digital assets, supporting both crypto-native and traditional participants. This gives accredited professional traders, crypto miners and other alternative businesses another way to leverage their existing capital, unavailable in traditional banking.
One of the platform’s core distinctions lies in how it handles risk for borrowers who want to use crypto as collateral. Unlike many lending protocols that automatically liquidate collateral when prices dip, Skew offers up to 100% loan-to-value without forced liquidations, as long as borrowers stay current on repayments. In practice, this approach provides users with greater control, even in volatile markets.
SKW tokens are strictly utility-based and used exclusively for lender membership tier benefits and borrower loan origination fees.
Lenders gain entry through a one-time membership tier activation secured by SKW tokens. Higher tiers give higher access and perks. Borrowers use SKW to pay loan origination fees. Unlike tokens used for staking, rewards, yield farming, speculative incentives, or emissions, SKW serves purely as an access mechanism. Also, membership isn't a sunk cost — after a locking period, tokens are unlocked and can be freely traded on the open market.
Beyond lending, the platform integrates a real-world spending feature. Users who opt for the Skew debit card earn up to 8% in Skew Points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards from participating retailers. It’s a straightforward reward system, built to deliver tangible value from day-to-day spending without the need to navigate complex liquidity pools or track volatile APYs.
Just as important as the tools are the people using them, which is why Skew strongly emphasizes community. Borrowers, lenders and the founding team regularly engage in open, fully staffed Telegram channels, answering questions and exchanging ideas in real time. This level of user interaction is uncommon in financial services and helps foster transparency and trust.
As a platform designed for everyday users, it supports both fiat and digital assets. The interface is modeled on familiar online banking and financial apps, making it easy for newcomers to use while still meeting the needs of more experienced users.
Making decentralized lending practical and compliant
Skew’s journey began three years ago with a simple premise: finance should connect people directly. From there, the team focused on clearing Swiss compliance standards, securing licenses and laying the legal groundwork required to operate responsibly. After more than two years of development, Skew officially launched in May 2025. To mark the occasion, Skew announced a $100,000 giveaway for its first 1,000 members.
Skew aims to serve both crypto-native users and those familiar with conventional banking. As CEO Daniele Capasso explains: “Traditional companies — especially in real estate — have already approached us looking for an alternative to banks. They see the value in faster access to capital and better rates. And by using Skew, they also help bring crypto into real-world use. It’s a win-win.”
The CEO’s philosophy is reflected in the platform’s structure: simple account setup, live community chats and use cases that mirror familiar financial behaviors — like earning through spending or borrowing against existing assets. Rather than rushing to scale, the team focuses on adding features gradually, only when thoroughly tested and ready to support long-term growth.
Skew is building something most DeFi platforms have ignored: a product people outside of crypto can actually use. With features like a debit card and a familiar user interface, Skew aims to make decentralized finance practical, compliant and usable for a broader audience beyond crypto natives.
Learn more about Skew.
Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain in this sponsored article, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.