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Uphold Launches Instant Crypto-Backed Loans through Exactly DeFi Protocol

SAN FRANCISCO, CAUphold, the modern infrastructure provider for on-chain financial services, announces the introduction of instant cash loans against crypto holdings offered through the Exactly DeFi Protocol. Uphold’s retail customers in the U.S. can now borrow against their cryptocurrency portfolio, without selling any assets, by depositing their Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, or USDC as collateral on the Exactly […]

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Uphold, the modern infrastructure provider for on-chain financial services, announces the introduction of instant cash loans against crypto holdings offered through the Exactly DeFi Protocol. Uphold’s retail customers in the U.S. can now borrow against their cryptocurrency portfolio, without selling any assets, by depositing their Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, or USDC as collateral on the Exactly Protocol.

  • U.S. customers can borrow against their crypto without having to sell their assets
  • Deposit Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP or USDC as collateral
  • Loans are available in minutes with no credit checks
  • Repayment timelines are flexible and users can defer the full loan including the interest and the amount owed to a later date

 

Uphold crypto backed loans Uphold Launches Instant Crypto-Backed Loans through Exactly DeFi Protocol

Once the loan is confirmed,  USDC arrives in the user’s Uphold account within minutes. A user may also elect to convert the USDC into USD. There is no minimum borrowing amount.

The new loan program offers the following features:

  • No credit checks required
  • Competitive fixed-rate terms are locked in at the time of borrowing; rates start at 4.28% APR
  • Flexible repayment dates and no early repayment penalties
  • The ability to defer the full loan, including interest, to a later date

 

This launch adds to Uphold’s expanding lineup of products designed to help people manage their everyday finances – using crypto as a practical financial tool, not just an investment to hold. The service is likely to have widespread appeal with a recent study finding that 67 million Americans, or one in four adults, currently own cryptocurrency.

“Many people now have significant wealth tied up in digital assets,” said Simon McLoughlin, CEO of Uphold. “Getting quick access to these funds in the form of cash usually means selling holdings which forces a trade-off between short-term needs and the desire to keep assets over the long term. Through the Exactly Protocol, we are able to provide access to instant liquidity, allowing users to access the value of their crypto holdings in order to make everyday purchases or cover an unexpected expense, without having to sell them.”

Loans are offered through the Exactly Protocol and accessed in the Uphold app alongside the Exa Credit Card. Uphold customers now have two options for borrowing against their crypto assets. They can either borrow funds to spend on the credit card or they can receive USDC directly in their Uphold account, with the option to convert it into USD.  

About Uphold

Uphold is a financial technology company that believes on-chain services are the future of finance. It provides modern infrastructure for on-chain payments, banking and investments. Offering Consumer Services, Business Services and Institutional Trading, Uphold makes financial services easy and trustworthy for millions of customers in more than 140 countries.

Uphold integrates with more than 30 trading venues, including centralized and decentralized exchanges, to deliver superior liquidity, resilience and optimal execution. Uphold never loans out customer assets, except at customer request, and is always 100% reserved.

The company pioneered radical transparency and uniquely publishes its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds on a public website (https://uphold.com/en-us/transparency).

Uphold is regulated in the U.S. by FinCen and State regulators; and is registered in the UK with the FCA and in Europe with the Bank of Portugal. Securities products and services are offered by Uphold Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC.

To learn more about Uphold’s products and services, visit uphold.com.

DISCLAIMER:

Available in select U.S. States. Terms apply. Loans are offered through the Exactly Protocol. Uphold does not control or manage the Exactly Protocol, and is not responsible for assets once transferred to it. Users who elect to convert their loan proceeds from USDC to USD may do so at a 1:1 ratio with no spread for their first $20,000 per calendar month. Any additional conversions in excess of this cap carry standard market bid/ask spreads.  No statement herein is a commitment to make a loan. Availability and borrowing capacity depend on eligibility, collateral asset, collateral value, and credit health. Deferring payments may result in total payments being higher over the life of a loan.  Late payments will accrue default interest.

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Crypto Insurer BDIC Insurance Teams Up with Fireblocks to Strengthen Institutional Digital Asset Security and Expand Crypto Insurance Coverage Capabilities

Hong KongBlockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC Insurance/BDIC HK LTD), a leading provider of crypto insurance solutions for digital asset custodians, exchanges, and enterprise self-custody wallet platforms, today announced its strategic operational collaboration with Fireblocks, the enterprise platform securing more than $14 trillion in digital asset transactions. The agreement enables BDIC Insurance to integrate Fireblocks’ secure custody, […]

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Blockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC Insurance/BDIC HK LTD), a leading provider of crypto insurance solutions for digital asset custodians, exchanges, and enterprise self-custody wallet platforms, today announced its strategic operational collaboration with Fireblocks, the enterprise platform securing more than $14 trillion in digital asset transactions. The agreement enables BDIC Insurance to integrate Fireblocks’ secure custody, payments, and tokenization technologies into its underwriting and risk-assessment workflows, delivering stronger security assurances for the aforementioned institutions and driving broader adoption of insured crypto assets and services.

bdic x fireblocks Crypto Insurer BDIC Insurance Teams Up with Fireblocks to Strengthen Institutional Digital Asset Security and Expand Crypto Insurance Coverage Capabilities

To read more about the partnership and comments from the executives, please read more details below and visit BDICinsurance.com for newsroom references:

This alliance pairs BDIC Insurance’s cryptocurrency coverage solutions for wallets, exchanges, and enterprise self-custody platforms with Fireblocks’ proven infrastructure, an industry standard for banks, fintechs, payment processors, and institutions running digital asset custody. By leveraging Fireblocks’ patented Multi-Party Computation (MPC) custody, tokenization tooling, and global payments rails, BDIC Insurance enhances its ability to evaluate, insure, and support clients using modern, resilient security controls and operational capabilities.

“Fireblocks was built to help institutions move, store, and issue digital assets with the security and operational rigor expected by regulated financial firms,” said Jeffrey A. Glusman, CEO & Founder of BDIC Insurance. “By integrating Fireblocks into our underwriting and coverage workflows, we’re enabling customers to demonstrate the controls and resilience insurers require. This was a critical step for BDIC in scaling insured digital asset services across banks, custodians, fintechs, and enterprise self‑custody wallet platforms.”

When asked about the key benefits of the collaboration, the focus on enhanced underwriting confidence was the primary point of interest discussed.  Representatives commented on how BDIC Insurance will incorporate Fireblocks’ MPC-based custody architecture, operational controls, and auditability features into its risk-assessment framework. According to BDIC, this enables more precise underwriting, tailored policy terms, and faster coverage issuance for institutional partners. Further comments expanding on security and risk control were also made. The company CISO pointed out that reduced systemic single-point-of-failure risk is being addressed as a key takeaway.  “By recognizing Fireblocks’ patented MPC approach, BDIC Insurance can better quantify and mitigate cryptographic key compromise risk,” said Allen Sautter, CIO & CISO of BDIC.  He commented further on how this aspect is a critical driver of premium-setting and policy scope for wallets, exchanges, and enterprise self-custody wallet platforms. The CISO continued: “Security and operational excellence are non‑negotiable for institutions that custody or move digital assets. Working with Fireblocks allows BDIC to align insurance coverage with best‑in‑class infrastructure practices. Our policyholders and their customers benefit from stronger technical controls and clearer risk transfer, while markets benefit from reduced friction in accessing the platform services.”

There seems to be little doubt that stronger claims management and incident response alignment were also a focus of the partnership. Overall, the message was clear that by integrating the platform’s operational controls, BDIC Insurance can streamline incident investigations, claims validation, and remediation planning when security events occur in a more effective and fluid manner.

Why is Fireblocks an ideal vendor for the crypto insurance provider?

The question was asked directly, and while most know that Fireblocks is already widely used across financial services to secure digital asset operations, its enterprise platform addresses multiple institutional needs as well. Custody is the top-line reason, but the deeper value is in the signing model. Fireblocks splits cryptographic control across separate enclaves, so internal teams, service providers, and smart contracts can all participate in a transaction without any single party ever holding a complete key.

The Fireblocks platform also supports existing stablecoin and cross-border payments in more than 100 countries through a large network of partners and clients. This is another benefit, as while BDIC will be serving clients in the US, their go-to-market strategy is global, providing coverage in LatAm, PanAsia, Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and beyond, so this collaboration was equally important for executing globally as much as anything.

Further comments on the alliance and its implications for exchanges, custodians, banks, fintechs, and enterprise self-custody wallet platforms were based on business-metric benefits. The foremost being that BDIC will be able to design policy terms that reflect the reduced technical risk profile of Fireblocks-enabled operations, potentially improving coverage limits, pricing, and deductible structures.

The last point of interest focused on the crypto industry as a whole and global adoption, highlighting the need for more education and awareness of the benefits of using cryptocurrency in a utility mindset on a daily basis. BDIC sees the confidence for counterparties and customers being second to none as financial institutions, exchanges, custodians, and enterprise self‑custody wallet providers can market that their services are both powered by enterprise‑grade infrastructure via FireBlocks and backed by tailored BDIC Insurance for their needs. BDIC believes that improving trust among institutional clients, retail users, and counterparties (as well as regulators) is of utmost importance as the industry welcomes the missing layer of insurance to crypto adoption.

This news seems to indicate what is to come next for the crypto insurance provider, as prior news indicated platform provider onboarding in Q3/Q4, with the company’s BDIC utility coin launch coinciding with that timeline as well. The representatives’ closing comments point to expected additional news about other industry alliances and collaborations as BDIC officially rolls out its platform.

About BDIC Insurance

BDIC Insurance is a specialist insurer focused on providing coverage solutions for digital asset infrastructure, including wallets, exchanges, and enterprise self-custody wallet platforms. BDIC’s products address theft, operational loss, and other digital-asset-specific risks through tailored policies and a deep understanding of cryptographic custody models, exchange operations, and regulatory expectations. For detailed FAQs on coverage, claims processes, and underwriting criteria, visit www.bdicinsurance.com.

Media Contact

BDIC Insurance

Liam Nguyen

Chief Marketing Officer, BDIC (Blockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation)

Email: [email protected]

Website: BDICinsurance.com

X: https://x.com/bdicofficial

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchain-deposit-insurance-corporation

Telegram: https://t.me/BDICInsurance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdicinsurance

Fireblocks

Email: [email protected]

Legal and forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the collaboration between BDIC Insurance and Fireblocks. Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to market adoption rates, regulatory developments, underwriting outcomes, and technology integration challenges. Nothing in this release constitutes a promise or guarantee of insurance coverage; all policies are subject to standard underwriting criteria, policy terms, and exclusions. Prospective customers should consult BDIC’s policy documents and speak with an authorized BDIC representative for specific coverage details.

BDIC FAQs and coverage details: www.bdicinsurance.com/faq

Fireblocks technical overview and product pages: www.fireblocks.com/products

For demo requests, interviews, or further technical information, contact the media contacts listed above at BDIC Insurance.

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Orange County Criminal Defense and CPS Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris Named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers List

IRVINE, CalifFounder of Johnson Criminal Law Group recognized for excellence in criminal defense, juvenile dependency, Child Protective Services (CPS) defense, restraining orders, and appellate advocacy throughout California.  Orange County criminal defense attorney and CPS attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris has been named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list, an honor awarded to no more than five […]

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Founder of Johnson Criminal Law Group recognized for excellence in criminal defense, juvenile dependency, Child Protective Services (CPS) defense, restraining orders, and appellate advocacy throughout California. 

Orange County criminal defense attorney and CPS attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris has been named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list, an honor awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys in the region.

Johnson-Norris is the founder of Johnson Criminal Law Group, where she represents individuals and families throughout California in criminal defense, Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, juvenile dependency proceedings, juvenile delinquency matters, restraining orders, and criminal and dependency appeals.

d298fb1a b540 45da 8960 1ee1d468b8f1 Orange County Criminal Defense and CPS Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris Named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers List

 Known for representing clients in high-stakes and emotionally complex cases, Johnson-Norris regularly advocates for individuals facing serious felony charges, allegations of child abuse or neglect, domestic violence matters, and government investigations that threaten constitutional rights or parental rights.

A Recognition of Professional Achievement Super

 Lawyers selects attorneys through a patented, multi-phase process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations of professional achievement. The objective is to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional accomplishment.

 “Being selected to the Super Lawyers list is an incredible honor,” Johnson-Norris said. “Whether someone is facing criminal charges, a CPS investigation, or a high-conflict juvenile court matter, they deserve experienced counsel who will prepare thoroughly, communicate honestly, and fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome. I am grateful to my clients, colleagues, and community for their trust.”

More Than Two Decades of Advocacy

With more than two decades of experience, Johnson-Norris has represented clients in trial and appellate courts throughout California. Her practice includes criminal defense, CPS and juvenile dependency representation, juvenile delinquency defense, domestic violence matters, child abuse allegations, protective orders and restraining orders, and criminal and dependency appeals.

Recognized Advocate for Complex Criminal and CPS Cases

 Throughout her career, Johnson-Norris has represented clients in some of California’s most challenging criminal and juvenile court proceedings. Her work includes defending individuals under criminal investigation, representing parents during CPS investigations and juvenile dependency proceedings, litigating restraining order matters, and handling criminal and dependency appeals. She is known for meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and a client-centered approach focused on protecting families, constitutional rights, and futures.

In addition to her courtroom practice, Johnson-Norris frequently provides legal analysis for national and local media, including Court TV, NewsNation, ABC, FOX, Bloomberg, KNX News, and other outlets discussing criminal law, juvenile dependency, and high-profile legal issues.

About Johnson Criminal Law Group

 Based in Irvine, California, Johnson Criminal Law Group represents clients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and across California in criminal defense, juvenile dependency and CPS matters, restraining orders, and appeals. The firm provides strategic, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation tailored to each client’s circumstances.

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From Aurora to Miss Colorado US Nation: Jazlynn Thomas Expands Her Purpose Beyond the Crown

New York, USAWhat began as a personal celebration has evolved into an international journey through pageantry, fashion, wellness advocacy, and public speaking for Jazlynn Thomas. Thomas first entered the Miss US Nation Pageant system as Miss Aurora US Nation 2026, stepping into modeling only weeks before receiving her inaugural title. Her introduction to the industry followed a […]

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What began as a personal celebration has evolved into an international journey through pageantry, fashion, wellness advocacy, and public speaking for Jazlynn Thomas.

Thomas first entered the Miss US Nation Pageant system as Miss Aurora US Nation 2026, stepping into modeling only weeks before receiving her inaugural title. Her introduction to the industry followed a milestone photoshoot she arranged for her 25th birthday—an experience that revealed an unexpected sense of confidence and belonging in front of the camera. Since then, her progression has been swift.

from aurora to miss colorado us nation jazlynn thomas expands her purpose beyond the crown From Aurora to Miss Colorado US Nation: Jazlynn Thomas Expands Her Purpose Beyond the Crown

In March 2026, Thomas was crowned Miss Colorado US Nation during the Miss West Coast US Nation Pageant, where delegates representing several western states came together to compete. The achievement marked her transition from a local titleholder to a statewide representative and opened a new chapter in her growing career.

Her runway experience has expanded alongside her pageant journey. In February, Thomas made her mark at New York Fashion Week debut during the Super Chic New York Fashion Week showcase. Two months later, she traveled internationally to walk in Super Chic Toronto Fashion Week—her first international Fashion Week appearance, which resulted in her becoming an internationally published model, extending her visibility beyond the runway and introducing her to a broader fashion audience.

For Thomas, however, modeling represents more than presentation. She views it as a form of storytelling—one shaped through collaboration among models, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals. Her growing body of work reflects an interest in commercial, e-commerce, fitness, and active-lifestyle modeling, as well as a desire to continue pursuing opportunities throughout the United States and internationally.

Her development as a titleholder has also taken place beyond the competition stage. During the Miss Canada Nation Universe Pageant, Thomas was given the opportunity to serve as a host, allowing her to strengthen her skills in live presentation, audience engagement, and event leadership.

Each experience has helped reshape her understanding of what it means to wear a crown. Rather than viewing a title as a ceremonial distinction, Thomas approaches it as a working role—one that requires preparation, professionalism, visibility, and service.

That commitment is most evident through her platform, Accessible Wellness for Every Body and Mind.

As a yoga instructor who has worked with seniors and individuals with limited mobility, Thomas advocates for wellness programs that recognize different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and physical needs. Her experience teaching chair yoga has shown her how movement can help individuals rebuild confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and improve their overall well-being.

Her advocacy also challenges the exclusivity that can exist within traditional fitness and wellness spaces. Thomas believes meaningful wellness should not be reserved for those who already fit a particular image of health or physical ability. Instead, she promotes an approach grounded in accessibility, patience, emotional health, and individual progress.

That same philosophy influences how she views fashion and pageantry. Once hesitant to pursue modeling because she feared she did not fit the industry’s conventional mold, Thomas now considers authenticity one of her greatest strengths. She hopes her presence encourages other women to recognize that success does not require erasing the qualities that make them distinct.

She also rejects the misconception that women in pageantry must compete against one another beyond the stage. Her belief that one woman’s success can create space for others reflects the collaborative spirit she hopes to carry throughout her reign.

As Miss Colorado US Nation 2026, Thomas is continuing to balance her responsibilities as a titleholder, model, instructor, and advocate. Her path—from New York and Toronto Fashion Week, a statewide crown, and hosting on the national pageant stage—demonstrates how quickly a new direction can emerge when preparation meets opportunity.

Still early in her career, Thomas is building something larger than a collection of titles or runway appearances. Her journey is becoming a reflection of the values she represents: accessible wellness, authentic confidence, creative expression, and service to others.

For Jazlynn, the crown may be a visible symbol of achievement—but the purpose behind it remains the most important part of her story. The photo used in this article was taken by Models in Motion by JT.

Support Jazlynn and follow her on Instagram @jazlynnnicolemonroe.

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