Milestone: Milo Surpasses $100 Million in Crypto Mortgage Originations
Milo, a Miami-based fintech firm specializing in crypto-backed lending, announced it has originated over $100 million in crypto mortgages, a milestone in using digital assets as collateral for home financing. The total includes its largest single transaction to date—a $12 million crypto mortgage—driven by rising demand from institutional and high-net-worth borrowers seeking alternatives to traditional mortgages.
The company's crypto mortgage product lets clients pledge Bitcoin to secure financing without selling their holdings. Milo offers up to 100% financing with loan amounts up to $25 million, removing the need for cash down payments and avoiding taxable events from liquidating crypto assets. CEO 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's mortgage portfolio has experienced no margin calls, with interest rates averaging around 7%. The firm uses AI-driven servicing and real-time collateral monitoring for faster risk assessment compared with traditional lenders.
Milo's Crypto Mortgage Product Details
Milo offers two models: standard and self-custody. In the standard structure, client collateral is held by custodians Coinbase and BitGo. The company also introduced a self-custody mortgage option, allowing borrowers to maintain control of their Bitcoin while qualifying for financing. First developed in 2022, the product was marketed as the first U.S. bitcoin mortgage, enabling buyers to use BTC holdings as collateral without selling for a down payment. 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.
Self-Custody Mortgages and Industry Perspectives
Blockstream CEO Adam Back 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. Milo emphasizes that its self-custody option is ideal for long-term holders who want to retain asset control while leveraging Bitcoin liquidity for real estate.
Expansion and Regulatory Compliance
Beyond mortgages, Milo's crypto loan business expanded sharply, with its loan book quadrupling in 2025. The firm offers crypto-backed loans starting at 8.25% interest, used for purchasing additional Bitcoin, land acquisitions, home renovations, and business investments. Milo operates as a licensed lender and is SOC 2 audited, positioning its products within regulatory oversight as crypto lending continues to develop in the U.S. financial market.