Relai Private Introduces Bitcoin-Backed Loans: Unlock Liquidity Without Selling Bitcoin

We’re excited to announce the launch of a powerful new feature: Bitcoin-backed loans. Also known as Lombard loans, this financial instrument enables Bitcoin holders to spend CHF or EUR without having to sell their Bitcoin. In partnership with Sygnum Bank— a Swiss digital asset bank —Relai is bringing a new level of financial flexibility to their HNWI and SME clients.

With this launch, Relai became the first Bitcoin Broker in Europe to offer Bitcoin-collateralized lending. This means Relai Private and Business clients can now unlock liquidity without ever having to part with their Bitcoin.

Why Bitcoin-Backed Loans?

Many investors and companies are seeking to finance projects, invest in new opportunities, or simply need access to cash without having to liquidate their Bitcoin holdings. Relai Private’s Bitcoin-backed loan offering provides the best of both worlds:

• Maintain exposure to Bitcoin’s potential upside
• Avoid triggering taxable events by not selling
• Skip the stress of re-entering the market at higher prices
• Stay entirely within the Bitcoin ecosystem

“At Relai, we’re building the future of Bitcoin-focused financial services. This partnership with Sygnum Bank is a huge milestone for us as a Startup. Bitcoin-backed loans are a game-changer for our wealthy clients, providing them with access to cash without the need to sell their Bitcoin. We are seeing a strong demand for that service, especially from high-net-worth individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.”

— Julian Liniger, CEO & Co-Founder of Relai

With Relai and Sygnum, your Bitcoin becomes more than a long-term store of value—it becomes a versatile financial tool.

“We’re proud to partner with Relai, a company that shares our commitment to simplicity, transparency, and Bitcoin-first innovation. This collaboration brings the strength of our regulated credit infrastructure to new groups of private investors, empowering them to unlock liquidity without compromising their long-term vision.”

— Benedikt Koedel, CFA, Head Credit & Lending at Sygnum Bank

Who Can Use Bitcoin-Backed Loans?

To access this service, you must be a qualified private investor under the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA). This typically includes individuals who:

• Possess professional or financial sector experience and/or relevant education, and
• Hold at least CHF 500,000 in financial assets
• Are interested in a minimum deposit or trading volume of CHF 100,000

Swiss Quality, Bitcoin Simplicity

This new offering is more than just a loan—it’s a reflection of our vision at Relai: to be the most complete, secure, and user-friendly Bitcoin-only app in Europe.

With Swiss-made security, regulatory clarity, and an intuitive user experience, we’re putting powerful financial tools into the hands of Bitcoin believers, without compromising the core ethos of decentralization and long-term ownership.

Note: Relai services are exclusively recommended for residents of Switzerland and Italy. None of this content constitutes financial advice. Always conduct your own research before investing in digital assets.