Key Takeaways
- Cantor Fitzgerald launched a $2B Bitcoin-backed lending program.
- FalconX and Maple Finance are the first clients to receive loans.
- The lending program uses Bitcoin as collateral and partners with Anchorage and Copper for custody.
Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald has officially launched a $2 billion Bitcoin-backed lending program, marking a significant step in the institutional adoption of Bitcoin-based finance.
First borrowers: FalconX & Maple Finance
The investment bank confirmed that digital asset firms FalconX and Maple Finance are the first borrowers under the program.
FalconX secured over $100 million in credit, while Maple Finance received the initial tranche of its loan.
Lending model & institutional access
Cantor’s new lending model allows institutional investors—including hedge funds and asset managers—to borrow against their Bitcoin holdings without liquidating them.
Christian Wall, co-CEO and global head of fixed income, said:
Institutions holding bitcoin are looking to broaden their access to diverse funding sources. We are excited to support their liquidity needs to help them drive long-term growth and success.
Structure & security of loans
The loans are not speculative.
They are structured traditionally and backed by Bitcoin collateral, reducing Cantor’s exposure while enabling growth for borrowers.
Custody of the collateral is managed by Anchorage Digital and Copper.co, both known for institutional-grade security.
Market context & growth
The program arrives as Bitcoin lending rebounds.
After a wave of collapses in 2022, the market grew to $36.5 billion in Q4 2024, according to Galaxy Research.
Cantor’s strategic positioning
Cantor’s move builds on prior Bitcoin activity. In May 2025, Cantor Equity Partners merged with Twenty One Capital and purchased $459 million in Bitcoin.
They also manage U.S. Treasury reserves for Tether and hold $1.9 billion in shares of Strategy.
With these developments, Cantor is positioning itself as a key bridge between traditional finance and Bitcoin infrastructure.
