Global powerhouse venture embarks on $2 billion lending scheme for Bitcoin expansion
Cantor Fitzgerald Launches $2 Billion Bitcoin-Backed Loan Program
Cantor Fitzgerald, a prominent Wall Street investment bank, has entered the cryptocurrency sector with a $2 billion loan program secured by Bitcoin. As reported by Bloomberg, this initiative marks a significant stride in the ongoing integration of Bitcoin into traditional finance.
The lending program, which began in July 2024, has already partnered with trusted custodians, including Tether, SoftBank, and Bitfinex, to form Twenty One Capital, a $3.6 billion investment fund that holds over 42,000 Bitcoin. Cantor's commitment to Bitcoin lending demonstrates a growing confidence in the digital asset's potential as a legitimate collateral class.
Two firms have already availed themselves of Cantor's Bitcoin loan line, with FalconX planning to secure over $100 million and Maple Finance following suit with a similar deal for its clients. Both platforms have already drawn on the new credit line.
The early loans to FalconX and Maple Finance suggest that established financial players can still access crypto financing, despite high-profile defaults at Celsius and BlockFi in 2022. The demand for such services appears robust, and lenders seem ready to capitalize on the opportunity following the setbacks.
Beyond loans, Cantor Equity Partners has also made a substantial investment in Bitcoin. In May 2025, the firm acquired around $459 million of the digital asset through a merger with Twenty One Capital. They have also accumulated nearly $2 billion in Strategy stocks, tying their financial future to the performance of Bitcoin. Despite potential price volatility, Cantor plans to continue buying Bitcoin even during market downturns, underscoring their belief in the digital asset's long-term potential.
The increasing involvement of traditional banks and financial institutions in Bitcoin lending reflects a broader trend, with the Bank of Montreal, Barclays, BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and UBS all investing in Bitcoin ETFs or planning to roll out spot Bitcoin ETF services by the end of the year.
However, the Bitcoin market is known for its volatility, with sudden price drops and margin calls posing risks for both lenders and borrowers. To mitigate these risks, clear rules and robust plans are essential to ensure the smooth operation of the burgeoning Bitcoin lending market.
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The partnership between Cantor Fitzgerald and Tether, SoftBank, and Bitfinex, through Twenty One Capital, signifies a fusion of finance, investing, and technology in the Bitcoin-backed loan program.
Despite the risks associated with the volatile Bitcoin market, Cantor's continued investment in Bitcoin and plans to buy even during market downturns underscore their confidence in the long-term potential of this digital asset, further highlighting the role of technology in shaping traditional finance.
