Crypto-backed lending: Regulatory clarity and technological integration as success factors
News, 11/11/2025
The use of digital assets such as Bitcoin as collateral for loans is evolving from a niche idea to a serious market segment. For banks, this means not only tapping into new customer groups, but also the opportunity to position themselves strategically at an early stage.
The European Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR) provides a binding regulatory framework for the first time. Institutions offering crypto-backed lending act as crypto asset service providers and are subject to licensing, supervision, and reporting requirements. These requirements are not an obstacle, but rather a basis for scalability and trust, especially when compared to unregulated platforms.
Technologically, the question of a viable architecture arises. Pure DeFi approaches based on smart contracts are not practical in regulated lending: a lack of flexibility, high compliance costs, and a lack of integration into core banking processes prevent widespread adoption. The solution lies in an orchestrated platform that connects wallets, custodians, and trading venues with the core banking system.
The crypto-backed lending solution developed by Sopra Financial Technology addresses these requirements: API-based integration, modular architecture, and SaaS deployment enable rapid implementation without the need to set up your own infrastructure. Features such as additional collateral, liquidation in the event of price losses, and audit-proof documentation are regulatory compliant and operationally efficient.
Read the full Handelsblatt article by Thomas Münch to find out why 2026 will be the year of implementation, what strategic advantages this will bring for banks, and how crypto-backed lending is evolving from a pilot project into a scalable business model.
Do you have any questions for our experts?