Milo, a Miami-based financial technology firm focused on crypto-backed lending, announced it has originated more than $100 million in crypto mortgages, marking a milestone in the use of digital assets as collateral for home financing and purchasing.
The company said the total includes its largest single transaction to date, a $12 million crypto mortgage, as demand grows among institutional and high net worth borrowers seeking alternatives to traditional mortgage structures.
Milo’s crypto mortgage product allows clients to pledge Bitcoin to secure financing for home purchases without selling their holdings. The company said it offers up to 100% financing with loan amounts up to $25 million, removing the need for cash down payments and avoiding taxable events that can come with liquidating crypto assets.
Chief Executive Officer Josip Rupena said the milestone reflects broader adoption of crypto-based financing.
“Crossing $100 million in originations demonstrates the maturity and stability of our lending infrastructure,” Rupena said. “We’ve moved beyond proving the concept. Now we’re proving the execution.”
Milo said its mortgage portfolio has not experienced any margin calls, and that its interest rates average around 7%. The firm attributed its underwriting approach to AI-driven servicing and real-time collateral monitoring, which it said allows for faster risk assessment compared with traditional lenders.
Milo’s self-custody mortgages
The company also highlighted a self-custody mortgage option, which lets borrowers maintain control of their Bitcoin while still qualifying for financing. In its standard crypto mortgage structure, Milo said client collateral is held through custodians Coinbase and BitGo.
Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, said crypto-backed mortgages could expand real-world financial use cases for Bitcoin holders.
“While Bitcoin continues to appreciate, buyers are able to build equity in real estate and don’t have to sell their long term conviction,” Back said.
Beyond mortgages, Milo said its crypto loan business also expanded sharply, with its loan book quadrupling in 2025.
The firm offers crypto-backed loans starting at 8.25% interest, which it said clients have used for purchases including additional Bitcoin, land acquisitions, home renovations, and business investments.
Back in 2022, Milo began developing what it now calls the first U.S. bitcoin mortgage, allowing buyers to use their BTC holdings as collateral to purchase property without selling for a down payment.
The company said the 30-year product can finance 100% of a home purchase, with CEO Josip Rupena and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez framing it as a way for bitcoin holders to qualify for mortgages while keeping exposure to BTC’s upside.
Milo operates as a licensed lender and said it is SOC 2 audited, positioning its products within regulatory oversight as crypto lending continues to develop in the U.S. financial market.