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John Smith3 min read

How Crypto-Backed Loans Help You Access Liquidity Without Selling

Learn how borrowing against digital assets can provide flexible access to capital while keeping your long-term crypto holdings intact.

A moss-covered dollar sign standing in front of a glass grid with a rising green price chart.

Access Capital While Keeping Your Position

Selling crypto is straightforward, but it also means giving up your position. If the asset later appreciates, you no longer participate in that potential upside.

A crypto-backed loan offers a different route. You pledge eligible digital assets as collateral and borrow funds against a portion of their value. Provided you meet your loan obligations and maintain the required collateral level, your assets are released when the loan is repaid.

This can be useful when you need liquidity for a purchase, business expense, tax obligation, or broader financial plan—but do not want selling to be your only option.

How It Works

The process is built around the value of your collateral.

Choose Your Loan Terms

Select the amount you want to borrow, your preferred term, and the digital assets you plan to use as collateral.

Pledge Collateral

Your crypto secures the loan. The amount of collateral required depends on the asset, the requested loan amount, and the loan-to-value ratio.

Receive Funds

Once your loan is approved and collateral requirements are met, the funds are made available according to your agreed terms.

Manage Your Loan

Track your outstanding balance, repayments, collateral value, and loan health throughout the term.

Repay and Release

When the loan and any applicable interest are repaid, your collateral is released.

Understanding Loan-to-Value

Loan-to-value, or LTV, is one of the most important concepts in crypto-backed borrowing. It compares the amount you borrow with the value of the collateral securing it.

For example, if you pledge $100,000 in crypto and borrow $50,000, your starting LTV is 50%.

A lower LTV generally leaves more room for market volatility. If your collateral falls in value, your LTV rises. Keeping a conservative starting LTV can make it easier to manage changing market conditions.

The Trade-Off: Liquidity Comes With Risk

A crypto-backed loan does not remove market risk. The value of digital assets can change quickly, and a decline in collateral value may affect the health of your loan.

If your LTV reaches a specified threshold, you may be asked to add collateral or reduce your balance. If the position is not restored in time, part or all of the collateral may be sold to meet the loan obligations.

That is why a loan should be structured around an amount you can realistically manage—not simply the maximum amount available to borrow.

Before You Borrow, Consider These Questions

  • Do I need liquidity now, or would selling better suit my situation?
  • How much volatility can my collateral position absorb?
  • Can I make repayments comfortably throughout the full term?
  • Do I understand the margin call and liquidation thresholds?
  • Do the loan terms, fees, and repayment schedule work for my needs?

Borrowing can create flexibility, but it should not be treated as a way to avoid a difficult financial decision. The right approach is clear terms, a sensible LTV, and a plan for adverse market movement.

A More Flexible Way to Use Your Digital Assets

For long-term holders, crypto-backed lending can be one way to access liquidity while maintaining exposure to assets they believe in. It is not right for every situation, and the risks should be understood before entering into any agreement.

The goal is not to borrow as much as possible. It is to make a considered decision about how your assets can support your wider financial plans.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Digital assets are volatile, and borrowing against them involves risk. Loan availability and final terms are subject to eligibility, underwriting, and market conditions.

John SmithHead of Lending, Arvexo
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