TL;DR
- Bitwise made its first DeFi allocation through Maple Finance to offer on-chain credit to institutional investors.
- Maple manages overcollateralized loans backed by digital assets, segmenting funds based on risk levels.
- Institutional demand for blockchain-based credit is growing, and the partnership between Bitwise and Maple will strengthen integration with traditional finance.
Bitwise Asset Management has made its first allocation in decentralized finance through Maple Finance, an on-chain credit protocol. The collaboration aims to provide credit tools for institutional investors, ensuring structured solutions that comply with regulatory standards for this type of client.
Maple Finance facilitates the management of overcollateralized loans backed by digital assets. Its infrastructure enhances transparency in the financing process and reduces exposure to the risks associated with traditional intermediaries. The platform segments funds based on risk levels, allowing investors to choose between options backed by Bitcoin and Ethereum or more volatile assets like Solana and XRP.
Bitwise Responds to Investor Demand
Bitwise’s interest in this sector reflects the high demand for blockchain-based financial instruments that generate returns without relying on traditional markets. Maple has demonstrated stability through complex market cycles and has maintained risk-adjusted yields since its launch in 2021. While crypto lending has been affected by insolvencies in centralized firms, Maple’s on-chain nature improves oversight and reduces the risk of financial contagion.
Maple Finance’s Financial Tools
Beyond its credit products, Maple launched the SYRUP token in 2024. This asset enables users to participate in protocol governance and contribute to its security through staking mechanisms. The platform also introduced structured investment strategies such as “Lend + Long,” which combines lending with Bitcoin call options to enhance returns.
With over $12 billion in assets under management, Bitwise has diversified its portfolio with products like ETFs and private investment funds. In recent months, it has proposed new ETFs, including products for APT and XRP. It also raised $70 million in a funding round with participation from Electric Capital and MassMutual.
Institutional interest in decentralized financial products continues to grow as the industry gains regulatory clarity. The partnership between Bitwise and Maple reflects this trend and will play a key role in bridging traditional finance with the blockchain ecosystem
