Pawn your cryptocurrency wallet to get a loan. This is possible today. Potentially interesting? Risky? Let us explain.
Let's start with the basics. What is a cryptocurrency?
It is a digital currency that is neither regulated by a central bank nor by a state. Not recognised by international financial bodies, it is also called 'crypto-asset' because these bodies do not recognise these 'assets' as fulfilling the role of 'currency' in the same way as the dollar or the euro for example.
The digital decentralization of cryptocurrencies; The fact that assets are not held in a bank account in the 'traditional' way is the result of the creation of a technology called blockchain.
This technology is a kind of digital ledger that makes it possible, as cryptocurrency transactions are made, to create a history of all the issues and settlements of the cryptocurrencies concerned. All of this is linked to lines of code or algorithms that are a priori so secure that they cannot be compromised by malicious people.
In short, it is a digital currency, unregulated, whose transactions are conducted and secured by all the operations carried out by a community of online users.
Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most well-known cryptocurrencies. Together, they account for the majority of digital assets in the world.
Why buy it?
First of all, you should know that there are now more than 5,000 cryptocurrencies listed.
Then, a historical characteristic of cryptocurrencies is its high volatility of value. A currency like Bitcoin can experience daily variations of well over 10%. Up and down.
Lately, the vast majority of cryptocurrencies do not survive and can become extinct by completely losing their value, which is the value of money invested by uninformed buyers.
So why get them?
A first answer would be to diversify one's assets. As an investor, by being sufficiently informed, it can be interesting to diversify your assets by buying cryptocurrencies.
Some currencies have seen notable growth since their inception and although they are not recognized by global financial authorities, a technological environment exists that allows cryptocurrencies to be bought, traded, sold...
You can therefore benefit from a leverage effect linked to a growth in value, transform your cryptocurrencies into recognized currencies such as euros or francs and, in some cases, even pay for services or products with them. This is particularly the case with Bitcoin.
Is it worth it?
Like any investment, it depends on the degree of risk, the amounts invested, the level of information available...
One could use the adage 'consume responsibly' as a key indicator for any potential investor. There are still a lot of unknowns today, including how your crypto funds will be considered by tax and financial authorities.
It is also about the vision that has been adopted.
Some users emphasize the democratic aspect of the technology, which allows everyone to be protected from the classic currency manipulations carried out by the financial authorities as well as from the influence of major decision-makers in the world of finance.
Others appreciate how easy it is to create an account, manage your finances, make purchases without hidden fees or unjustified surcharges. All within a safe technological framework.
On the other hand, critics castigate the use of blockchain technology as being conducive to malicious individuals because it allows for complete anonymity. Terrorist or mafia companies seem to be fond of the non-traceability of financial transactions on dedicated platforms.
There is also the question of ecological respect, knowing that blockchain technology is based on the use of the computers of millions of users around the world. This generates considerable polluting energy consumption.
In conclusion, apart from the financial calculation of an economic operation that belongs to you in the same way as any so-called classic or recognized investment, there are also ethical considerations at play.
How to get it?
Platforms exist that allow you to buy cryptocurrencies via your credit card.
Your funds can be accessed, either digitally via a unique password, or transferred to an external medium such as a USB stick that serves as your wallet.
These platforms also allow you to exchange your assets for traditional currencies or other cryptocurrencies.
Lately, you get a real-time view of your asset price fluctuations.
Make a loan in cryptocurrency. How?
Recently, it is now possible for you to pledge your cryptocurrencies against a loan that is used to provide you with more cryptocurrencies allowing you to increase your leverage in the event of a positive evolution of the value curves of your assets.
The objective of this operation is to generate greater financial added value in a shorter period of time. Therefore, you are then able to repay the initial loan and get your pledged cryptocurrencies back.
A platform such as Youholder offers this service and has an entity in Switzerland. This company has a permit to operate as a pawn shop issued by the Canton of Vaud.
All you need to do is create an account on their platform, get a quantity of cryptocurrencies, and pledge them to get credit. Then you buy other cryptocurrencies or exchange your loan in recognized currencies such as the Swiss franc or the euro.
An opportunity? A risk?
First of all, pawning is not free. A platform such as Youholder will calculate a loan value that is much lower than the cryptocurrency value pledged. So you start with a lower balance than the original bet.
Then, of course, everything will depend on the evolution of the price of the loaned cryptocurrencies. If these increase in value, you may be able to make a nice transaction by withdrawing your funds at the right time, based on the right amount. By paying off your loan, you get your pledged funds back and the bottom line can be positive.
On the other hand, if the curve inverts and you lose asset value, you will not be able to recover your collateral amount and will lose absolute value on your entire portfolio. Then you lose twice.
Finally, let's not forget the uncertainty about how the authorities will deal with any declared capital gains. The central banks and tax authorities of each country are currently deciding on this issue.
Final Words.
Even if you are a sophisticated investor, in a financial position that allows you to take moderate and calculated risks, you still have to recognize the volatile and uncertain nature of cryptocurrencies.
If you add to this the risk of pledging, the loss of value from the outset linked to your capital and the risk of a double penalty in the end, it may be wiser to use safer solutions to obtain financing for your projects.
If you're looking for speed and simplicity, opt for a financing platform like Milenia. No application fees, financial partners recognised by the authorities, a stable value of your loan and absolute trust in your contacts.
All you have to do is simulate a loan on our platform, provide us with a few documents to prepare your file and you will quickly be taken care of by one of our experts who will accompany you until your loan is disbursed.
Simply, easily, quickly and confidently!