Bitcoin News Today: Blockrise's Bitcoin Loans Signal Institutional Trust in Regulated Crypto Finance

Blockrise, a Netherlands-based Bitcoin-only financial services provider, has launched a €20,000 Bitcoin-backed loan service after securing a regulatory license under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted the license, enabling Blockrise to offer custody, trading, and asset management services across the EU. The new loan product, designed for corporate clients, allows businesses to collateralize Bitcoin for credit while retaining ownership of their assets, marking a significant step in regulated Bitcoin finance .

The MiCA license, issued in late 2025, provides Blockrise with a "passport" to operate across the EU without needing separate approvals in each member state. CEO Jos Lazet emphasized that MiCA serves as the foundation for the company's expansion into Bitcoin-backed lending, even though the framework does not yet fully regulate crypto lending. By targeting business clients, Blockrise circumvents consumer protection restrictions while adhering to MiCA's existing rules for custody and trading . Loans start at €20,000 (approximately $23,150) with an 8% interest rate, which is reviewed monthly to align with market conditions .

Blockrise's semi-custodial model distinguishes it from traditional custodians. Instead of full self-custody, the firm uses hardware security modules to generate Bitcoin wallets within secure vaults. Clients hold a "Blockrise key," which grants access to their assets but does not allow independent recovery. Transactions require joint authorization from the user and Blockrise, balancing security with compliance . The company currently manages €100 million ($116 million) in client assets under this structure .

The launch aligns with growing institutional demand for Bitcoin treasury solutions. As European corporations increasingly allocate Bitcoin to their reserves, credit products backed by on-chain collateral could gain traction. Blockrise's strategy to expand beyond custody and trading into corporate credit solutions positions it to capitalize on this trend. The firm plans to raise €15 million in Series A funding to accelerate its EU expansion, building on an earlier €2 million seed round .

Regulatory clarity under MiCA has bolstered confidence in the sector. While the framework currently excludes lending and decentralized finance, Lazet anticipates future expansions to cover these areas. The company's compliance-first approach aligns with Europe's evolving crypto landscape, where institutional adoption is outpacing traditional banking innovation. With Bitcoin prices stabilizing after a post-2025 dip, regulated platforms like Blockrise are well-positioned to bridge the gap between institutional investors and digital assets .