Translating Crypto Wealth into Traditional Mortgages: Australia's First Integrated Service

Mortgage On Chain has launched in Australia as the country's first mortgage broking service tailored exclusively for cryptocurrency investors, addressing a growing demand among digital-asset holders seeking to leverage their portfolios for property ownership. The firm, co-founded by Rafael Franco and Oliver Woodbridge, operates alongside Tax On Chain, a crypto accounting firm, to provide integrated advice on mortgage structuring and capital gains tax implications. This initiative reflects a strategic response to the challenges younger crypto investors face in navigating traditional lending criteria, which often struggle to interpret the complexities of crypto portfolios, trading activity, and tax events according to market analysis.

The service does not offer crypto-backed loans but instead helps clients secure conventional home loans by managing their digital-asset holdings and tax obligations. This approach allows investors to maintain their crypto positions while aligning their mortgage applications with standard bank requirements. Woodbridge emphasized that younger investors are increasingly adopting crypto to accelerate entry into the property market, but most brokers lack the expertise to assess this form of wealth or advise on tax-effective strategies for asset disposal as research shows. By bridging this gap, Mortgage On Chain aims to streamline the process of converting crypto portfolios into qualifying deposits for traditional mortgages, while also offering guidance on potential tax liabilities if clients opt for crypto-backed lending products.

The partnership with Tax On Chain, established in 2021, enables a holistic approach to financial planning, integrating mortgage advice with tax considerations. This collaboration allows clients to receive simultaneous support on capital gains tax and mortgage structuring, a critical advantage in a market where regulatory scrutiny of crypto transactions is intensifying. Unlike providers such as Block Earner, which offer Bitcoin-backed loans, Mortgage On Chain distinguishes itself by not facilitating direct crypto collateralization or asset custody. Instead, it focuses on empowering clients to present their financial positions effectively to lenders, ensuring compliance with Australian tax and lending frameworks according to industry experts.

The launch comes amid evolving dynamics in Australia's crypto lending landscape, with regulators and financial institutions gradually adapting to the rise of digital assets. While crypto-backed loan products are gaining traction, Mortgage On Chain's model highlights the demand for services that align with existing banking infrastructure rather than circumventing it. The firm's approach may also appeal to investors seeking to avoid the volatility and liquidity risks associated with crypto collateralization, offering a more stable pathway to property ownership.

As adoption of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, the intersection of digital assets and real estate presents both opportunities and challenges. Mortgage On Chain's emergence underscores the need for specialized services that address the unique financial profiles of crypto investors, while also highlighting the broader industry's push to reconcile decentralized finance with traditional economic systems.