Nexo has unveiled a new zero-interest lending product specifically for holders of Bitcoin and Ether, enabling them to borrow against their digital assets through fixed-term loans. This offering, referred to as Zero-interest Credit, is aimed at providing users with pre-set repayment options, allowing loans to be settled at maturity with either stablecoins or collateral, depending on market dynamics.
This initiative expands Nexo’s earlier structured lending products that were available exclusively through private and over-the-counter (OTC) channels, facilitating over $140 million in borrowing in 2025 alone. Borrowers can determine the loan amount and duration upfront, which includes terms to avoid liquidation before the loan matures.
Founded in 2018, Nexo operates in 150 jurisdictions, providing an array of financial services including crypto-backed loans, trade, and savings. After a temporary withdrawal from the U.S. market in 2022 and a significant case settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission worth $45 million early in 2023, Nexo is now making a return.
DeFi Lending Growth in 2025
The crypto lending landscape has transformed since 2022 when companies like Celsius and BlockFi faced criticism for exacerbating market declines during the FTX fallout. By 2025, numerous centralized lenders, including Nexo and Coinbase, shifted their strategies toward more secure, fully collateralized lending products, while decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols soared.
DeFi lending products surged from approximately $48.15 billion in total value locked (TVL) at the beginning of 2025, achieving a peak of $91.98 billion by early October. Currently, as the market stabilizes post a recent liquidation event, the TVL stands at around $66 billion. Leaders in the DeFi lending market feature Aave and Morpho, contributing significantly to the total lending environment.
