Ethereum DeFi Platform Ether.fi Adds Tokenized Stocks and Portfolio-Backed Loans
Ether.fi is expanding its self-custodial app beyond Ethereum staking into a broader financial platform. Users can now trade tokenized stocks, metals, and crypto assets, and use an integrated Aave-based market on Optimism to lend assets, borrow against portfolios without selling holdings, and spend or transfer the proceeds. The app is also adding fiat accounts for worldwide deposits and withdrawals, though availability depends on identity verification and transfer speeds may vary. Initial supported assets include Ethereum, Bitcoin, Hyperliquid, ETHFI, select tokenized stocks, and gold, with more collateral options planned. Ether.fi is also launching automated ETHFI buybacks and 3% cash back on card purchases. The company says it has over 500,000 members and a $2 billion annual transaction run rate. The expansion is framed as a move to offer bank-like services through DeFi and self-custody, though tokenized stock and metals trading is unavailable in the U.S. and some other markets.
