Bitcoin News Today: Blockrise Navigates MiCA Gaps to Launch Bitcoin Loans in EU

Blockrise, a Netherlands-based Bitcoin-only startup, has launched €20,000 Bitcoin-backed loans following the acquisition of a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). The regulatory approval, issued under the EU's MiCA framework, enables the company to provide custody, trading, and asset management services across Europe. The new loan service, targeting corporate clients, allows businesses to collateralize Bitcoin for credit while retaining ownership of their assets, with interest rates set at 8% and subject to monthly review.

The MiCA license, fully operational since late 2024, currently regulates crypto issuance and trading but does yet cover lending or decentralized finance. Blockrise CEO Jos Lazet emphasized that the framework is expected to expand over time, potentially incorporating lending, mining, and payments. By focusing exclusively on Bitcoin, Blockrise differentiates itself through a streamlined product offering and enhanced security. The company employs a "semi-custodial" wallet structure, using hardware security modules to generate Bitcoin wallets without allowing key extraction. Transactions require joint authorization between clients and Blockrise, balancing security with recoverability.

The loan service reflects growing demand for Bitcoin-linked liquidity solutions among European businesses. Blockrise reported managing approximately €100 million in client assets, leveraging its semi-custodial model to mitigate risks associated with lost private keys or unauthorized access. The firm also announced a €15 million Series A funding round to accelerate EU expansion, following a €2 million seed round earlier this year. This capital will support technological development and regulatory compliance efforts as the company scales its cross-border services.

Lazet highlighted MiCA's role in legitimizing Bitcoin finance, noting that the license provides a "passport" for compliance across EU jurisdictions. While the framework currently excludes lending, Blockrise structured its service within permissible categories such as custody and brokerage. The company anticipates regulatory evolution, with potential future inclusion of lending under MiCA's scope. This strategic alignment positions Blockrise to capitalize on institutional interest in Bitcoin, particularly as corporate treasuries increasingly allocate BTC holdings.

The launch underscores the Netherlands' emerging role as a hub for regulated Bitcoin innovation. By securing a MiCA license, Blockrise joins a small cohort of firms navigating Europe's evolving crypto landscape, offering a blueprint for compliance-driven growth in the sector. As the EU's regulatory framework matures, companies like Blockrise may gain a competitive edge in corporate Bitcoin credit and asset management.