Cantor Fitzgerald Issues First Bitcoin-Backed Loans to FalconX and Maple Finance

Last Updated on May 28, 2025

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Key Takeaways:

  • Cantor Fitzgerald has launched its crypto lending arm, issuing Bitcoin-backed loans to FalconX and Maple Finance.
  • The firm’s $2B initiative enables institutions to access liquidity without liquidating BTC, with Anchorage and Copper as custodians.
  • Despite past collapses in crypto lending, onchain borrowing rebounded 959% over two years, signaling renewed institutional interest.

Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald has officially launched its cryptocurrency lending arm, marking its entry with Bitcoin-backed loans to FalconX and Maple Finance.

FalconX secured over $100 million in credit under a broader financing framework, while Maple Finance finalized the first tranche of its deal.

The loans allow firms to access liquidity without selling their Bitcoin, using BTC as collateral.

Cantor’s crypto lending initiative was first announced in July 2024 with a $2 billion capital base, targeting institutional investors.

Anchorage Digital and Copper were appointed as custodians for the operation.

Despite a decline from its 2021 peak, the crypto lending market remains active, with Q4 2024 data showing $36.5 billion in total value and $19.1 billion in outstanding onchain loans — a 959% increase in two years.

The sector has faced setbacks, including the collapses of Celsius and BlockFi following the FTX crisis.

Cantor’s entry into the space is seen as a sign of renewed institutional confidence.

Founded in 1945, Cantor is a major financial institution with global reach.

CEO Howard Lutnick supports Bitcoin’s classification as a commodity and has ties to Donald Trump’s 2024 transition team.

Cantor also manages part of the reserves backing the Tether stablecoin and holds a 5% stake in Tether.

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