> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://curvo.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How are you different from a bank?

Through the Curvo app, you can invest in a diversified portfolio. Curvo is a tradename of NNEK, who is an investment firm licensed by the Dutch regulator (AFM). The underlying investment philosophy is different than that of traditional banks. We believe in passive investing through index funds. But banks have historically offered only actively managed funds. These are very expensive to run so they charge high fees for them. However, [research](https://www.esma.europa.eu/press-news/esma-news/esma-study-finds-high-impact-costs-performance-especially-active-equity-funds) shows that only a minority of actively managed funds manage to beat a portfolio of index funds consistently. The key word there is consistently. Sure, every 5 years there are funds that beat a passive portfolio. But every 5 years, those funds are different! Learn more about [index investing](https://curvo.eu/article/guide-index-investing-europe).

Banks do offer many more services: checking and savings accounts, mortgages, credits...