Bitcoin News Today: Acacia Teams with Unchained and Build on Bitcoin-Backed Loan Strategy

Bitcoin-backed loans are emerging as a significant development in the evolving financial landscape, enabling investors to access liquidity while maintaining their exposure to Bitcoin. Acacia Research Corporation has recently formed a partnership with Unchained and Build Asset Management to explore a commercial loan strategy collateralized by Bitcoin. Under this initiative, Acacia’s subsidiary will acquire loans that are fully backed by Bitcoin held by Unchained’s clients, with Build overseeing administration and management [1]. Acacia CEO Martin (“MJ”) D. McNulty, Jr., highlighted the advantages of this approach, noting the favorable interest rates and institutional-grade collateral management offered by Bitcoin [1].

Unchained, a leader in Bitcoin financial services, has securely managed over $12 billion in Bitcoin assets since 2016 and has issued $1 billion in Bitcoin-backed loans without requiring re-collateralization [1]. Build Asset Management, established in 2018, focuses on Bitcoin-centric credit strategies and introduced a dedicated fund for small to medium-sized businesses in 2023 [1]. This collaboration aims to meet cash flow needs without forcing investors to sell their Bitcoin holdings, thus preserving long-term value while generating returns through innovative financial structures [1].

The trend is gaining momentum with new entrants such as BitBridge, a Bitcoin-focused treasury firm, which is preparing to launch public trading in the third quarter of 2025. This move follows a merger that will broaden access to its Bitcoin-backed loan strategy. BitBridge emphasizes a conservative approach, avoiding aggressive liquidation tactics to safeguard Bitcoin assets and aligning with a growing trend in the industry to balance yield generation with risk control [2].

Bitcoin loan rates have shown volatility, with Coinbase recently offering rates as high as 8.16%, up from a typical range of 5%. This increase reflects strong demand for Bitcoin-backed credit but also highlights the risks tied to market fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty [3]. Meanwhile, other platforms, such as XRP-based lenders, offer loans with LTV ratios up to 80% and interest rates between 13% and 16%, attracting traders and investors looking to boost their market exposure without liquidating their holdings [4].

The broader integration of Bitcoin into traditional financial systems is supported by recent regulatory developments, including the SEC’s approval of crypto staking and liquid staking services, which has paved the way for greater institutional participation [5]. As these products mature, transparency and risk management have become key priorities. Several firms are now disclosing their return and risk strategies, signaling a shift toward accountability in the sector [1].

Bitcoin-backed loans are not only expanding the utility of digital assets but also redefining conventional investment and capital deployment strategies. As more companies explore structured financial products leveraging Bitcoin as a reserve asset, the market is likely to see continued innovation and expansion. This evolution underscores the growing role of Bitcoin as a versatile asset class and a cornerstone in the bridge between traditional and digital finance [1].

Sources:

[1] title: Bitcoin Loans Spark New Investment Opportunities (url: https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6894087d8c46c77d2c1317a5/)

[2] title: BitBridge to Launch Public Trading via Merger in Q3 2025 (url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitbridge-launch-public-trading-merger-q3-2025-2508/)

[3] title: What is your Bitcoin loan interest rate? (url: https://www.reddit.com/r/CoinBase/comments/1mjk9f5/what_is_your_bitcoin_loan_interest_rate/)

[4] title: The $200 Million XRP Play: CEO Spills What Traders Need to Know (url: https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1017472-20250807)

[5] title: Morning Minute: SEC Gives Crypto Staking The Green Light (url: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/morning-minute-sec-gives-crypto-124129627.html)