Blockrise, a startup from the Netherlands focused solely on Bitcoin, has
introduced Bitcoin-backed loans of up to €20,000
after obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This regulatory green light, granted under the EU’s MiCA rules, allows Blockrise to offer custody, trading, and asset management services throughout Europe. Aimed at business clients, the new loan product lets companies use
Bitcoin
as collateral for credit while maintaining ownership of their coins, with interest rates starting at 8% and reviewed monthly.
The MiCA license, which became fully effective in late 2024, currently governs crypto issuance and trading but
does not yet include lending or decentralized finance
. Blockrise CEO Jos Lazet
pointed out that the regulatory framework
is likely to broaden in the future, potentially covering lending, mining, and payment services. By concentrating exclusively on Bitcoin, Blockrise sets itself apart with a focused product lineup and heightened security. The company uses a “semi-custodial” wallet system, relying on hardware security modules to create Bitcoin wallets while preventing key extraction. Transactions require joint approval from both clients and Blockrise, striking a balance between safety and asset recovery.
This lending solution addresses the increasing need for Bitcoin-based liquidity among European companies. Blockrise
disclosed that it oversees around €100 million
in client assets, using its semi-custodial approach to reduce risks like lost private keys or unauthorized entry. The company also revealed a €15 million Series A funding round to speed up its expansion in the EU,
following a €2 million seed investment
earlier this year. These funds will go toward advancing technology and ensuring regulatory adherence as Blockrise grows its international services.
Lazet
stressed MiCA’s importance in legitimizing Bitcoin financial services
, highlighting that the license acts as a “passport” for regulatory compliance across EU member states. Although lending is not yet covered, Blockrise has designed its offering to fit within approved categories like custody and brokerage. The company expects future regulatory updates to include lending under MiCA. This approach positions Blockrise to benefit from rising institutional interest in Bitcoin, especially as more corporate treasuries add BTC to their portfolios.
The rollout highlights the Netherlands’ growing status as a center for regulated Bitcoin innovation. By obtaining a MiCA license, Blockrise joins a select group of companies navigating Europe’s changing crypto regulations,
providing a model for growth based on regulatory compliance
in the industry. As the EU’s rules continue to evolve, firms like Blockrise could secure a strong position in the corporate Bitcoin lending and asset management market.