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Bitcoin-Backed Loans Will Crush the $1.5 Trillion Credit Market

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Bitcoin-backed lending has experienced steady growth over the past few years, but new deals and increasing market interest signal that this could be the start of a massive surge.

With institutional backing and rising adoption rates, this market may soon undergo exponential growth, fundamentally transforming credit markets on a global scale.

Bitcoin-Backed Lending: A Growing Market Opportunity

The Bitcoin-backed lending and credit market has quietly gained momentum within the crypto industry. Although several firms have explored this concept for a few years, it is only now receiving wider recognition.

Crypto lending is one of the most widely-used services in decentralized finance (DeFi), with the potential for significant growth. The broader DeFi ecosystem, for instance, grew from $21 billion in total value locked (TVL) in early 2021 to over $85 billion today, showing the massive appetite for blockchain-based financial services.

DeFi Total Value Locked
DeFi Total Value Locked. Source: IntoTheBlock

This type of lending opens new doors for borrowers who wish to access liquidity without selling their Bitcoin. More importantly, it gives lenders new avenues to tap into crypto markets while securing loans with a highly fungible and decentralized asset.

For example, in August 2023, Sygnum, a Swiss digital asset bank, issued a $50 million syndicated loan to crypto lender Ledn. This deal was significant not only because it was one of the first major Bitcoin-backed loans in fiat currency, but also because the loan’s collateral was Bitcoin.

Institutional players from Sygnum’s client base were involved, marking a shift in how traditional finance engages with digital assets .

Market research firms like Messari predict that the overall DeFi lending market will grow exponentially, with Chainalysis estimating that crypto-backed loans could represent a significant portion of the total crypto market by 2026. Moreover, a report from Fidelity Digital Assets indicated growing institutional participation in crypto lending, highlighting how traditional lenders are increasingly interested in offering crypto-backed loans.

In line with this optimism, Kevin Charles, co-founder and CEO of Open Bitcoin Credit Protocol, foresees explosive growth in the Bitcoin-backed credit market.

“In five years, the Bitcoin-backed credit market could grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with estimates reaching $100-200 billion in outstanding loans as Bitcoin adoption expands. With broader acceptance and improved infrastructure, we could see Bitcoin-backed loans becoming a standard offering at major banks and fintechs, serving millions globally,” Charles told BeInCrypto.

Read More: How to Take Out a Decentralized Loan with Crypto

According to Chain, regions where traditional banking services are limited—particularly in Latin America and Africa—are seeing the fastest Bitcoin adoption rates. These underserved markets represent untapped opportunities for Bitcoin-backed lending to provide liquidity to individuals and businesses that would otherwise be excluded from traditional credit markets.

Yield Comparison and DeFi Synergies

Yield generation in DeFi platforms such as Aave and BlockFi further illustrates the appeal of Bitcoin-backed loans. Current yield offerings on DeFi platforms can range from 4% to 10%, depending on market conditions and asset types.

In comparison, traditional financial institutions typically offer much lower yields on secured loans, making DeFi a more attractive alternative for crypto holders looking to leverage their assets.

However, these lucrative yields often come with risks, particularly when interest rates fluctuate or when markets experience significant volatility. A Bernstein report indicated that while high interest rates can stifle DeFi lending growth, impending rate cuts could serve as a catalyst, reinvigorating demand for Bitcoin-backed loans.

“With a rate cut likely around the corner, DeFi yields look attractive again. This could be the catalyst to reboot crypto credit markets and revive interest in DeFi and Ethereum,” Gautam Chhugani, Mahika Sapra and Sanskar Chindalia wrote.

As with any new financial product, risks remain. Bitcoin’s notorious price volatility poses challenges for both borrowers and lenders. For borrowers, sudden price drops could trigger margin calls, forcing the liquidation of their Bitcoin holdings. According to VanEck, Bitcoin has experienced price swings as large as 30% within a single week, underscoring the difficulty in managing collateral.

Bitcoin Price Volatility
Bitcoin Price Volatility. Source: VanEck

Lenders face their own challenges as well. Managing the value of Bitcoin collateral is an ongoing process, and market illiquidity during downturns could leave lenders with devalued collateral. BeInCrypto reported that liquidations across DeFi platforms reached $5.55 billion in April, illustrating the potential risks when markets turn sour.

However, blockchain security firms like Fireblocks have developed advanced collateral management systems to mitigate these risks, offering real-time data monitoring and multi-layer security protocols to ensure the integrity of loans.

The participation of institutional investors, fintech companies, and even traditional banks in the Bitcoin-backed lending market is likely to provide much-needed liquidity and stability. CoinShares reports that institutional inflows into crypto-related assets reached over $436 million last week, highlighting how institutions are increasingly viewing Bitcoin-backed loans as viable investment options.

“Traditional banks will play an essential role in Bitcoin-backed lending by providing credibility, capital, and innovation. They will push the industry forward by integrating decentralized models that lower costs and increase efficiency in lending,” Charles emphasized.

Read more: Crypto-Secured Loans: An Explainer on How They Work

Moreover, Bitcoin adoption continues to grow, especially in regions underserved by traditional banks. According to Chainalysis, Bitcoin adoption in Africa increased by over 1,200% between 2020 and 2022, signaling that Bitcoin-backed lending could become a primary financial tool in these regions as the infrastructure improves.

Future Success and Roadblocks

While Bitcoin-backed lending presents numerous opportunities, the industry still faces challenges. Unclear regulatory frameworks, lacking infrastructure, and security concerns remain significant obstacles.

Fireblocks and other security platforms are working to address these challenges by implementing stronger custody and collateral management protocols. Additionally, Charles believes that future regulatory efforts will enhance consumer protection, improve legitimacy, and increase adoption.

Ultimately, Bitcoin-backed lending has the potential to revolutionize traditional credit markets by offering a more flexible, secure, and decentralized form of collateralized lending. This could drive innovation and push traditional banks to adopt decentralized models that lower costs and speed up loan processes.

Despite the hurdles, the adoption of Bitcoin-backed credit could significantly “expand access to credit, diversify financial products, and create a more efficient global lending system,” Charles concluded.

Disclaimer

Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Japanese Company Unveils Plans To Buy Crypto

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Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Enish, a Japanese game developer, plans to buy Bitcoin worth 100 million yen. The company announced this move as part of its growing work with blockchain technology, according to recent reports. This purchase comes at a time when Bitcoin was trading at $81,800, based on CoinGecko data.

Why Enish Is Buying Bitcoin Now

The gaming company’s interest in Bitcoin stems from its work on blockchain games. Enish believes owning Bitcoin will help them better understand the technology behind it. Their game “De Lithe Last Metsoires” already uses blockchain features.

Bitcoin stands as the most well-known cryptocurrency in the market. By owning it, Enish hopes to gain new insights for their technical teams. The company thinks this knowledge will improve how they make games and run their business.

Notice regarding the procurement of Bitcoin. Source: Enish

How And When The Purchase Will Happen

Enish has set clear dates for buying Bitcoin. They plan to make their purchase between April 1 and April 4, 2025. The company will spend 100 million yen through normal market buys on Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges.

This action also aligns with Enish’s asset management strategy. They are looking to diversify their holdings while setting themselves up for potential profits if Bitcoin’s value increases further. The company chose Bitcoin because it’s simple to purchase and sell, and has a big, stable market.

Other Companies Joining The Bitcoin Trend

Enish isn’t alone in buying Bitcoin. Data from CryptoQuant shows public companies added 91,780 Bitcoin to their holdings during the first quarter of 2025.

BTC is now trading at $82,260. Chart: TradingView

Tether added nearly 9,000 Bitcoin to its accounts, bringing its total to 92,640 Bitcoin. MicroStrategy (now Strategy), known for its heavy Bitcoin investments, bought another 81,780 Bitcoin. This latest purchase cost the company over $8 billion.

Smaller Players Also Making Bitcoin Moves

More recently, several smaller companies have purchased Bitcoin. Looking more closely at some of these purchases: The Blockchain Company bought 600 Bitcoin. Semler Scientific bought 1,100. Metaplanet also acquired 2,280 Bitcoin in a bigger purchase.

But some companies are raising money to purchase even more. Marathon Digital is raising funds by selling stocks to invest in Bitcoin. In November, GameStop submitted a $1.3 billion offering to initiate its own Bitcoin strategy.

The trend demonstrates increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency among businesses, with more companies diversifying into Bitcoin—often for the same reasons as Enish: blockchain adoption, digital currency growth, and future holdings.

Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.





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Why Are Retail Investors Turning to XRP Over Bitcoin?

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Retail investors are showing a growing preference for XRP (XRP) over Bitcoin (BTC), according to recent on-chain data from Glassnode. The data highlights a dramatic 490% surge in XRP’s quarterly average of daily active addresses. In comparison, Bitcoin only saw a modest 10% increase since the 2022 cycle low. 

This sharp contrast suggests that speculative retail demand is fueling XRP’s resurgence. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s rally remains predominantly institutional-led.

How Are Retail Investors Impacting XRP’s Growth Compared to Bitcoin?

In their latest newsletter, Glassnode highlighted the differing paths of these two major cryptocurrencies. Despite both assets achieving similar price gains—roughly 5x to 6x from their 2022 cycle lows—their trajectories reveal distinct investor behaviors.

“Since the 2022 cycle low, the quarterly average of daily active addresses for XRP has jumped by +490%, compared to just 10% for Bitcoin. This stark contrast suggests that retail enthusiasm has been attracted by XRP, thus providing a mirror for speculative appetite in the crypto space,” the newsletter read.

XRP BITCOIN ACTIVE ADDRESSES
XRP vs. Bitcoin Active Addresses Growth. Source: Glassnode

According to Glassnode, Bitcoin’s growth has been steady. Meanwhile, the launch of spot ETFs or the US elections triggered a period of significant upward movement. In fact, Bitcoin hit an all-time high (ATH) just before President Trump’s inauguration.

Contrarily, Glassnode noted that XRP’s rally has been characterized by a sudden breakout from December 2024, driven by retail speculation.

“During this recent surge, XRP’s realized cap nearly doubled from $30.1 billion to $64.2 billion, reflecting a substantial inflow of capital,” Glassnode added.

Nevertheless, the surge also raises some cautionary signals, as it appears to be driven more by recent investments than by long-term, sustained demand. Glassnode observed a rapid concentration of wealth among new investors, with those entering the market in the past six months accounting for nearly half—around $30 billion—of this surge.

XRP Realized Cap Dominated by Newer Addresses
XRP Realized Cap Dominated by Newer Addresses. Source: Glassnode

Moreover, the share of XRP’s realized cap held by addresses younger than six months rose from 23% to 62.8% in a short period. Further insights from Google Trends data revealed that interest in XRP is predominantly concentrated in Europe and the United States, with significantly less search activity in Asia and Africa. 

This geographic disparity suggested that XRP’s retail-driven surge may be tied to specific market dynamics in Western regions, potentially influenced by regulatory clarity or community-driven hype.

“When viewed together with the heavy retail participation, this sharp uplift in new holders raises caution signs, where many investors are likely to be vulnerable to downside volatility, given their now elevated cost basis,” Glassnode remarked.

While XRP’s retail appeal is evident, the sustainability of its rally remains uncertain. Glassnode’s report indicates that the capital inflow has slowed since late February 2025, hinting at a cooling of retail speculation. 

Moreover, the Realized Loss/Profit Ratio has been steadily decreasing since January 2025. This suggested that investors are seeing fewer profits and facing larger losses.

“Given the retail-dominated inflows and largely concentrated wealth in relatively new hands, this alludes to a condition where retail investor confidence in XRP may be slipping, and this may also be extended across the broader market,” the newsletter highlighted.

Therefore, Glassnode cautioned that the XRP demand may have already peaked. The firm recommended exercising caution until more definitive signs of recovery appear.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Why Recency Bias Is Amplifying Fear Around Bitcoin’s Price

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The Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to 25 yesterday, signaling “Extreme Fear” in the cryptocurrency market. Yet, an analyst suggests that the current panic might be exaggerated, largely driven by recency bias.

This comes as Bitcoin is navigating market volatility triggered by broader macroeconomic conditions. The leading cryptocurrency has fallen 11.4% year to date, reflecting the wider sentiment of fear and uncertainty.

Is the Recency Bias Inflating Fear Around Bitcoin’s Price?

In the latest X (formerly Twitter) post, analyst Lark Davis highlighted an interesting trend in the Crypto Fear and Greed Index. This sentiment gauge measures market emotions from 0 (Extreme Fear) to 100 (Extreme Greed). 

On April 3, it plummeted to a low of 25, indicating heightened anxiety among investors, even though Bitcoin was trading around $80,000. In fact, the latest value of 28 also indicated substantial fear among market participants.

Crypto Fear and Greed Index
Crypto Fear and Greed Index. Source: Alternative.me

Nonetheless, according to Davis, the sentiment was out of place, given Bitcoin’s price performance. He noted that the index’s decline contrasted with market conditions six months prior. Despite Bitcoin trading at $65,000, the index showed a neutral reading then.

“This is what’s called “recency bias,” and you can leverage it,” he wrote.

For context, recency bias refers to the tendency of investors or traders to give more weight to recent events or information when making decisions while disregarding longer-term trends or data. This psychological bias often leads to overreaction to short-term market movements, such as a sudden price spike or a crash.

“So that’s why we’re seeing higher fear readings at today’s $80,000, than yesterday’s $65,000,” David remarked.

He suggested that the fear seen in the market is not entirely justified and that reactions to short-term fluctuations are often more extreme than necessary.

This coincides with Bitcoin continuing to see fluctuations amid President Trump’s tariff plans and fears of a potential recession. While it remains relatively steady compared to traditional markets, the decline in Bitcoin’s value has still raised doubts about its stability and long-term potential.

Notably, Michael Saylor, chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), highlighted that short-term volatility doesn’t reflect Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

“Bitcoin is most volatile because it is most useful,” he said.

Saylor explained that Bitcoin’s volatility is largely due to its liquidity and 24/7 availability, Which means it is more susceptible to rapid sell-offs during market panics. However, Saylor reiterated that while Bitcoin behaves like a risk asset in the short term, its long-term value is unaffected by these fluctuations, reinforcing its role as a store of value.

Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes, the former CEO of BitMEX, provided another perspective on the ongoing market conditions. 

“Some of y’all are running scurred, but I love tariffs,” Hayes stated.

According to Hayes, global economic imbalances will eventually be corrected. While short-term market pain is inevitable, Hayes predicts that the solution will likely involve printing more money, which he views as beneficial for Bitcoin.

“The $ is weakening alongside foreigners selling US tech stocks and bringing money home. This is good for BTC and gold over medium term,” he forecasted.

His comments align with BeInCrypto’s recent report on the inverse correlation between the US Dollar Index (DXY) and BTC. Thus, a decline in the former could benefit the latter. 

Bitcoin Price Performance
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

For now, Bitcoin continues to see modest losses. Over the past week, it has declined by 4.5%. Meanwhile, the coin has shed 1.0% of its value over the past day. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $82,855.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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