Sygnum and Debifi launch MultiSYG as Bitcoin client collateral exceeds 80%, up 30% since 2023

  • MultiSYG is a Bitcoin-backed loan with collateral held in a dedicated multi-signature wallet; keys are distributed across the client, Sygnum Bank and independent institutional keyholders
  • First bank globally to seamlessly combine Bitcoin-native multi-signature wallets with regulated, bank-grade lending services
  • Investor demand for Bitcoin liquidity continues to rise – 1-in-5 Sygnum clients have a Lombard loan, and Bitcoin now accounts for 80% of collateral volume, up 30% since 2023
  • Halved Bitcoin volatility and 4x increase in optimal portfolio weight are reinforcing its role as preferred collateral, driving both lending activity and new client onboarding

Zurich / Lugano, 23 October 2026 — The demand from Bitcoin holders to maintain high security, and at the same time access liquidity without selling, has risen sharply in the light of high-profile security incidents. Sygnum, a global digital asset banking group, and multi-signature specialist Debifi, today announced the launch of MultiSYG, a regulated lending solution[i] that enables both requirements. MultiSYG enables Sygnum clients to borrow against their Bitcoin while the collateral is held in a dedicated multi-signature wallet, with keys distributed across the client, Sygnum Bank and independent institutional keyholders. The announcement is timed to coincide with Switzerland’s biggest Bitcoin event, the Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano on 23–24 October.

With the MultiSYG solution, each client’s BTC collateral sits in its own dedicated multi-signature wallet, segregated on chain. The wallet’s signing requirements are written into its Bitcoin script, so the Bitcoin network itself rejects any transaction without the required valid signatures. This is a safeguard taking on added importance in the light of high-profile security incidents. Clients can also verify at any time that their collateral remains in place, and a lost key does not always mean lost Bitcoin. Access can be recovered through the other trusted, independent keyholders.  

These technical safeguards are complemented by Swiss banking law, with Sygnum client assets held off  balance sheet and bankruptcy remote. Bitcoin on the MultiSYG solution is secured with the same regulated, institutional-grade infrastructure that already safeguards Sygnum Bank client assets. 

More than one in five Sygnum clients now have a Lombard Loan, with Bitcoin now accounting for over 80 percent of the volume of pledged collateral. This is up from 63 percent in 2023, a 30% increase. Investors are increasingly seeking to unlock liquidity from their Bitcoin holdings as its risk profile continues to improve. Bitcoin’s one-year volatility has nearly halved from 80% in 2021 to around 40% in 2026, increasing its optimal portfolio weight by more than 4x[ii]. Alongside its correlation with tech stocks halving, stronger links with gold and increasing market depth, these trends are growing the demand for Bitcoin as collateral and in turn, the demand for liquidity. 

The ability to put Bitcoin to work within a Swiss-regulated banking environment has become a key driver of new client onboarding, with growing demand for Bitcoin-backed loans, increased activity in spot and derivatives trading, and strong interest in the Starboard Sygnum Bitcoin Alpha Fund [iii] all contributing to momentum. 

“MultiSYG builds on our established regulated lending business. Adding distributed, multi-signature security is a natural next step as more holders want to secure their Bitcoin and access liquidity at the same time.” said Iulian Zanoaga, Deputy Head Credit & Lending, Sygnum. 

The distinction between holding Bitcoin, and building the bank’s services around it, is central to how Sygnum sees the asset, says Pascal Eberle, Chief of Staff and Co-Lead of Bitcoin@Sygnum. “Bitcoin pays no yield, and it is not meant to; it is a finite bearer asset, like gold. What holders want is somewhere to keep it safe and, increasingly, a regulated way to put part of it to work. MultiSYG technology is how Sygnum offers both. It is the difference between simply offering access to Bitcoin and actually building on the technology.” 

For Debifi, the launch extends a principle its founder set out when the two partners first brought Bitcoin-backed lending to market in 2025. Max Kei, founder and CEO of Debifi, said: “A year ago I said borrowers shouldn’t need to trust a custodian blindly. This past year showed why, with one secret often being enough to empty a wallet. As borrowing against Bitcoin grows, MultiSYG gives clients a loan where one stolen or weak key is not sufficient to move their collateral.” 

Banks that adopt Bitcoin-native technology, built directly on Bitcoin’s own infrastructure, have the ability to offer clients stronger, safer and more transparent services. Multi-signature technology is one example by mitigating single points of failure and giving clients verifiable control over their assets within a regulated framework. This approach also sets apart the banks that simply offer access to Bitcoin from those that build on its technology to create new products and earn lasting client trust. 

Sygnum and Debifi are at Plan B Forum in Lugano, 23-24 October 2026, Floor 1 Villa Ciani  

[i] The lending component of MultiSYG is provided by Sygnum Bank
[ii] Source: Sygnum Bank, CMC, Bloomber
[iii] Subject to investor eligibility criteria

About Sygnum 

Sygnum is a global digital asset banking group, founded on Swiss and Singapore heritage. We empower professional and institutional investors, banks, corporates and DLT foundations to invest in digital assets with complete trust. Our team enables this through our institutional-grade security, expert personal service and portfolio of regulated digital asset banking, asset management, tokenization and B2B services. 

Sygnum holds a banking licence in Switzerland, an EU MiCAR licence in Liechtenstein and a CMS and Major Payment Institution Licences in Singapore. The group is also regulated in the established global financial hubs of Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg. 

Sygnum’s B2B network of banks and international financial institutions now number more than 25; they include PostFinance, Zuger Kantonalbank, SocGen FORGE, Bordier la Cie, Incore Bank, Bergos, PKB, Bison Bank, VZ VermögensZentrum and Banca Stato. These industry leaders represent the full industry spectrum from systemically important and cantonal banks to universal, private, and retail financial institutions. 

We believe that the future has heritage. Our crypto-native team of banking, investment and digital asset technology professionals are building a trusted gateway between the traditional and digital asset economies that we call Future Finance. To learn more about how Sygnum’s mission and values are shaping this digital asset ecosystem, please visit sygnum.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. 

Media contact 

Dominic Castley, Chief Marketing Officer 
[email protected] 
Sygnum Bank AG, Uetlibergstrasse 134a, 
8045 Zurich, Switzerland 

About Debifi

Debifi is the premier platform for non-custodial Bitcoin-backed lending enabling institutions and individuals to leverage their Bitcoin holdings as collateral while maintaining full control of their keys.  

The platform’s multi-signature escrow technology and strict no-rehypothecation policy ensure client assets remain secure and verifiable at all times, with security validated through multiple independent audits. 

Debifi’s mission is to accelerate financial freedom through non-custodial, Bitcoin-backed lending solutions that provide institutional-grade liquidity, positioning Bitcoin as the premier collateral asset in global credit markets. For more information, visit debifi.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn. 

Media contact: 
Anton Kartuzov 
[email protected] 

Disclaimer: The information in this publication pertaining to Sygnum Bank AG (“Sygnum”) is for general information purposes only, as per date of publication, and should not be considered exhaustive. This publication does not consider the financial situation of any natural or legal person, nor does it provide any tax, legal or investment advice. This publication does not constitute any advice or recommendation, an offer or invitation by or on behalf of Sygnum to purchase or sell any assets. No elements of precontractual or contractual relationship are intended. While the information is believed to be from accurate and reliable sources, Sygnum makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of the information. Sygnum expressly disclaims any and all liability that may be based on such information, omissions, or errors thereof. Any statements contained in this publication attributed to a third party represent Sygnum‘s interpretation of the data, information and/or opinions provided by that third party either publicly or through a subscription service, and such use and interpretation have not been reviewed by the third party. Sygnum reserves the right to amend or replace the information, in part or entirely, at any time, and without any obligation to notify the recipient of such amendment / replacement or to provide the recipient with access to the information. Simultaneously, there is no obligation of Sygnum to inform recipients of information, if before provided information later becomes outdated, inaccurate or obsolete, unless otherwise provided by applicable law. The information provided is not intended for use by or distributed to any individual or legal entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to the law or regulatory provisions or in which Sygnum does not hold the necessary registration, approval authorisation or license. Except as otherwise provided by Sygnum, it is not allowed to modify, copy, distribute or reproduce, display, license, or otherwise use any content for commercial purposes.

Read next article

Investor qualification

The following content is available to qualified investors. Please confirm your details below to visit this page, or please see our other digital asset updates here.

Qualified investor - As defined in Art. 10 (3) ff. of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act. In particular, natural persons who have the knowledge required to comprehend the risks of the investments based on their individual education and professional experience or based on comparable experience in the financial sector and hold liquid assets of at least CHF 500,000.

A US Person is defined as (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for federal income tax purposes; (b) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organised under the laws of or existing in the United States; (c) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxes regardless of whether such income is effectively connected with a United States trade or business.

Disclaimer:

The information in this publication pertaining to Sygnum Bank AG (“Sygnum”) is for general information purposes only, as per date of publication, and should not be considered exhaustive. This publication does not consider the financial situation of any natural or legal person, nor does it provide any tax, legal or investment advice. This publication does not constitute any advice or recommendation, an offer or invitation by or on behalf of Sygnum to purchase or sell any assets. No elements of precontractual or contractual relationship are intended. While the information is believed to be from accurate and reliable sources, Sygnum makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of the information. Sygnum expressly disclaims any and all liability that may be based on such information, omissions, or errors thereof. Any statements contained in this publication attributed to a third party represent Sygnum‘s interpretation of the data, information and/or opinions provided by that third party either publicly or through a subscription service, and such use and interpretation have not been reviewed by the third party. Sygnum reserves the right to amend or replace the information, in part or entirely, at any time, and without any obligation to notify the recipient of such amendment / replacement or to provide the recipient with access to the information. Simultaneously, there is no obligation of Sygnum to inform recipients of information, if before provided information later becomes outdated, inaccurate or obsolete, unless otherwise provided by applicable law. The information provided is not intended for use by or distributed to any individual or legal entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to the law or regulatory provisions or in which Sygnum does not hold the necessary registration, approval authorization or license. Except as otherwise provided by Sygnum, it is not allowed to modify, copy, distribute or reproduce, display, license, or otherwise use any content for commercial purposes.

Mandatory fields

Security alert

Stay alert to fraudulent communications. Sygnum will never post messages on social media or private messaging applications regarding Sygnum banking access or logins. If you have concerns, contact us.

Close