How Billionaire Investors Are Funding Their Lives with Bitcoin and DeFi

A new trend is emerging in the global economy: ultra-rich investors who predominantly hold crypto assets are choosing to take flexible credit limits from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms instead of selling their digital assets. According to a 2025 study conducted by Henley & Partners, the global crypto millionaire population has increased by 40% to reach 241,700. But how are these wealthy individuals spending their wealth to support their lavish lifestyles? Since traditional banks largely do not accept crypto assets, these investors are increasingly turning to DeFi solutions.

“Home Value” Now Comes in Crypto: The Evolution of Financing Methods

In the traditional investment world, wealthy clients provide assets—such as a property in Switzerland, a villa in Miami, and a high-value stock portfolio—to banks to obtain secured loans. This allows them to get a loan for a ski season in St. Moritz, find ready cash to attend the Cannes Film Festival, or cover renovation costs for their luxury yachts.

However, for those with significant wealth in cryptocurrencies, the situation is different. When traditional financial institutions close their doors, these investors turn to DeFi facilitators like Cometh. Jerome de Tychey, founder of Cometh, explains that for someone rooted in crypto, putting Ethereum (ETH) tokens into lending platforms like Aave to withdraw stablecoins is simple, but for someone who only invests in crypto and watches their wealth grow, this can seem complicated.

DeFi Collateralized Loans: Speed and Anonymity vs. Volatility Risk

Collateralized loans (Lombard loans) operate in both traditional finance and the DeFi world. The difference lies in speed and efficiency. A DeFi loan backed by Bitcoin can be processed in 30 seconds, whereas a Lombard loan through traditional assets at a private bank can take up to 7 days.

Another advantage of DeFi loans is anonymity. Traditional loans require credit checks and tax declarations, while DeFi platforms do not have these requirements. Operating under the principle that “code is law,” the identity of the borrower is irrelevant. However, this speed and freedom come at a cost. Crypto assets are exposed to counterparty risk and are highly volatile as prices fluctuate. If Bitcoin ($78,61K) or Ethereum ($2,43K) prices suddenly drop, smart contracts can automatically liquidate the borrower’s collateral.

Nevertheless, when the traditional banking system does not recognize crypto as a debt asset, DeFi solutions are becoming the only way out for ultra-rich individuals.

MiCA and ISIN: The “Mainstreaming” of DeFi

Cometh is one of the few companies in France to obtain a MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) license. But the company’s vision goes beyond that. Jerome de Tychey explains that traditional securities such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives can be tokenized using DeFi strategies. For example, an investor holding Tesla shares could borrow against these shares via ISIN-based tokens.

“We do this through special lending products accessible to anyone with a trading account,” says de Tychey. “This is another way of tokenization; in fact, it’s like the ‘mainstreaming’ of DeFi into traditional finance.”

Thus, the DeFi ecosystem is gradually incorporating traditional financial instruments, increasing borrowing opportunities for ultra-rich investors by combining crypto and stock portfolios. Platforms like Aave, Morpho, and Uniswap provide liquidity in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, shaping the architects of this new financial era.

In conclusion, crypto assets are no longer just tools for speculation; they have become a genuine means for investors with billion-dollar fortunes to finance their lifestyles.