4 min read
|
Saved February 14, 2026
|
Copied!
Do you care about this?
This article examines the potential growth of on-chain lending, focusing on product improvements and market cycles. It highlights the need for higher yields to sustain crypto yield funds and discusses upcoming opportunities in tokenized credit products.
If you do, here's more
On-chain lending is evolving with new product improvements aimed at attracting scalable capital. Borrow rates are currently low, which should drive demand as features and offerings expand. The article notes that lending rates are expected to rise above risk-free rates, leading to increased capital inflows. Valuation multiples in the on-chain lending sector are compressing toward those of traditional fintech firms, creating a potential investment opportunity within the next year.
Historically, on-chain lending has cycled through four phases, influenced by capital levels and interest rates. As protocols shift from monolithic to modular architectures, they can accommodate higher-risk lending, which opens up new possibilities. Current lending practices focus on floating rate margin loans tied to highly liquid crypto assets. Upcoming upgrades from major protocols like Kamino and Aave are expected to introduce fixed-term loans and other enhancements, which should increase borrowing flexibility and further stimulate demand.
High-yield opportunities are critical for the survival of crypto yield funds, which traditionally needed returns of 12-15% to attract capital. With current market conditions, these funds must now seek higher-risk opportunities to maintain their viability. Tokenized yield products, such as Figure's tokenized Home Equity Lines of Credit offering 8% yields, are emerging as potential solutions. However, the article stresses that while these innovations might provide necessary returns, they also come with risks that require careful legal structuring.
Despite ongoing challenges, the sentiment around on-chain lending remains cautiously optimistic. If current trends hold, there's potential for valuations to stabilize by 2026, even amid declining token prices. The sector may witness a resurgence in borrowing activity driven by fundamental improvements, setting the stage for a more sustainable growth trajectory.
Questions about this article
No questions yet.