Blockstream Expands in Switzerland with Acquisition of Bitcoin Lender Berglinde

Blockstream Capital Partners has acquired Berglinde, a Zug-based boutique specializing in Bitcoin-backed lending — a move that strengthens the company’s foothold in crypto financial services and underscores Switzerland’s growing role as a hub for institutional Bitcoin infrastructure.

Strategic Move into Swiss Crypto Finance

The acquisition positions Blockstream to expand its asset management and Bitcoin collateralization services across Europe. Berglinde, founded in Zug’s “Crypto Valley,” has built a reputation for facilitating Bitcoin-backed loans and treasury solutions for institutional clients.

The deal will see Berglinde operate as Blockstream Capital Partners Switzerland, serving as a regional base for the company’s European lending and asset management operations. The Zurich-area expansion also supports Blockstream’s broader goal of integrating Bitcoin into mainstream finance through regulated, yield-generating products.

Integration with Blockstream’s Bitcoin Treasury Vehicle

The move follows Blockstream’s recent launch of its Bitcoin Treasury Vehicle, listed on Nasdaq in July. The product allows investors to gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin’s long-term performance through a professionally managed fund structure — a step toward bridging traditional capital markets with crypto-native assets.

By acquiring Berglinde, Blockstream gains access to a preexisting network of high-net-worth clients, Swiss regulatory licenses, and lending expertise that complements its institutional Bitcoin portfolio management.

“Switzerland remains one of the most forward-thinking jurisdictions for digital asset innovation,” said a Blockstream spokesperson. “Our acquisition of Berglinde allows us to scale responsibly while maintaining strong compliance and investor protection standards.”

Market Context and Industry Implications

The deal comes as Bitcoin-backed lending regains traction following the deleveraging cycle of 2022–2023, which saw several crypto lenders collapse under liquidity stress. Institutional players are now re-entering the space with stricter collateralization standards, risk management frameworks, and transparent reserve practices.

For banks and financial intermediaries, the integration of crypto-backed credit lines represents an evolving overlap between traditional lending models and digital asset finance. The entry of firms like Blockstream — known for its blockchain infrastructure and mining operations — signals growing confidence in the institutionalization of Bitcoin-based financial products.

Why Switzerland?

Zug’s Crypto Valley has become a magnet for blockchain finance due to its clear regulatory framework and banking openness toward digital assets. The region hosts major players including Ethereum Foundation, Bitcoin Suisse, and SEBA Bank. By choosing Switzerland as its European base, Blockstream aligns itself with a jurisdiction known for balancing innovation with regulatory prudence.

Looking Ahead

Blockstream’s acquisition of Berglinde highlights a strategic shift from crypto infrastructure toward Bitcoin-based financial services. As institutional adoption deepens, the company’s Swiss expansion could pave the way for new lending instruments, crypto-collateralized deposits, and hybrid financial products that merge blockchain transparency with traditional market governance.

Insight: The deal underscores how Bitcoin’s financialization is maturing — moving from speculative trading to structured credit markets. For investors, this signals a new phase where digital banking, collateralized lending, and institutional custody converge under compliant, globally recognized frameworks.

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