The Central Bank of Latvia has issued SIA Ascend Finance with an authorisation to provide crowdfunding services, enabling it to operate a platform that matches investors with businesses seeking funding. SIA Ascend Finance has been entered in the national Register of Crowdfunding Service Providers and may facilitate the granting of loans and provide related additional services, including individual management of loan portfolios, applying credit scoring to crowdfunding projects, and suggesting pricing and or interest rates for crowdfunding offers. The authorisation requirement is based on Regulation (EU) 2020/1503, and authorised providers are also listed in the European Securities and Markets Authority’s EU Register of Crowdfunding Service Providers.