In a recent episode of the Clear Crypto Podcast, Julian Duran, CEO of Lever, shared a transformative vision for how Bitcoin holders can unlock financial freedom—without ever selling their BTC. The idea? Use Bitcoin not as a currency to be spent, but as powerful collateral to access real-world opportunities.
Imagine buying a home, funding your child’s education, or launching a startup—all while holding onto your Bitcoin. This isn’t speculative fiction. It’s a growing financial strategy rooted in the idea of Bitcoin as collateral, and it's reshaping how long-term holders think about wealth, liquidity, and freedom.
👉 Discover how Bitcoin-backed financing is changing financial freedom
The Power of Bitcoin as Collateral
Julian Duran, who previously worked at Bridgewater and Marathon Digital, built Lever from personal insight and professional observation. He noticed a recurring challenge: many early Bitcoin adopters are sitting on substantial wealth but lack accessible liquidity. Selling BTC to cover life expenses often feels like a betrayal of their long-term belief in the asset.
“The core idea behind Lever is simple: how can you use your Bitcoin to participate in industries outside of crypto?” Duran explains. “Not to devalue crypto, but to earn dollars through other channels.”
Lever’s mission is to transform Bitcoin into high-quality collateral—a financial key that unlocks doors in the traditional economy. By doing so, users can gain access to capital for real-world investments without triggering taxable events or compromising their crypto holdings.
This approach allows individuals to diversify their financial exposure. Market downturns in crypto? Your real-world assets provide stability. Economic shifts in traditional markets? Your Bitcoin acts as a hedge.
“Ultimately,” Duran says, “we want you to play in multiple arenas at once—with protection on all sides.”
Real-World Use Cases: Beyond Speculation
Unlike many DeFi protocols focused on yield farming or memecoins driven by hype, Lever targets real-world returns from stable, income-generating sectors such as housing, utilities, and infrastructure.
These industries offer dollar-denominated cash flows that are largely decoupled from crypto market volatility. For Bitcoin holders, this means sustainable income and tangible asset ownership—without touching their BTC.
Consider this scenario: a long-term Bitcoin holder wants to invest in affordable housing projects in underserved communities. Through a Bitcoin-backed loan, they secure the necessary capital, generate rental income, and retain full ownership of their digital assets. Over time, both their real estate portfolio and Bitcoin holding appreciate—compounding wealth across two distinct asset classes.
This model doesn’t just create financial upside; it fosters economic inclusion. By channeling crypto wealth into traditional sectors, especially those historically underfunded, Lever enables holders to become impact investors—driving change while building generational wealth.
Financial Freedom in Practice
For many early adopters, the emotional weight of holding Bitcoin without being able to use it is real.
Duran recalls a telling moment at a Bitcoin gathering in Puerto Rico: “I met a self-made Bitcoin millionaire who was standing in front of a luxury villa. He said, ‘I can afford this—but only if I sell my BTC.’ That stuck with me.”
Here was someone with immense net worth, yet unable to enjoy the fruits of success without liquidating his core belief system.
“That’s exactly what we’re solving,” Duran emphasizes. “Financial leverage isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom.”
And freedom, in this context, means choice:
- The ability to upgrade your lifestyle without selling your stack.
- The power to invest in education, travel, or entrepreneurship.
- The peace of mind that comes from diversified, resilient wealth.
“Bitcoin was created to give people control over their finances,” Duran says. “Using it as collateral brings that promise to life—not just in theory, but in daily living.”
👉 See how you can use digital assets to access real-world opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really buy a house using only Bitcoin as collateral?
A: Yes—through platforms like Lever, Bitcoin holders can secure loans denominated in fiat currency (e.g., USD) using their BTC as collateral. These funds can then be used for real estate purchases, renovations, or other major expenses—without selling any cryptocurrency.
Q: Is borrowing against Bitcoin risky?
A: Like any leveraged position, there are risks—especially during sharp market downturns. If Bitcoin’s price drops significantly, borrowers may face margin calls or liquidation. However, responsible loan-to-value ratios and risk management strategies can mitigate these concerns.
Q: Are loans backed by Bitcoin taxable events?
A: Generally, no. Taking out a loan against your Bitcoin is not a taxable event in most jurisdictions, as you’re not disposing of the asset. However, always consult a tax professional for advice specific to your location.
Q: How does this differ from traditional banking?
A: Traditional banks rarely accept cryptocurrency as collateral. Bitcoin-backed lending opens access to capital for those excluded from conventional finance—offering faster approval, global accessibility, and alignment with digital asset ownership.
Q: What happens if I default on a Bitcoin-backed loan?
A: In most cases, the lender will liquidate a portion of your pledged Bitcoin to recover the outstanding balance. It’s essential to understand the terms and maintain adequate collateralization throughout the loan term.
Q: Can I use this strategy for business investments?
A: Absolutely. Entrepreneurs are increasingly using Bitcoin-backed loans to fund startups, expand operations, or finance inventory—keeping their crypto exposure intact while growing real-world businesses.
The Future of Financial Sovereignty
The concept of using Bitcoin as collateral isn’t just about convenience—it’s a philosophical shift toward true financial sovereignty.
Instead of choosing between holding and spending, users can do both. Instead of waiting for mass adoption to realize value, they can act now—investing in communities, building businesses, and living fully in the present.
As Duran puts it: “Financial leverage is the practice of freedom.”
And with tools that bridge the gap between digital assets and physical-world impact, that freedom is becoming more accessible than ever.
👉 Start exploring financial freedom powered by digital assets
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