Coinbase announced on Monday, April 20, 2026, the launch of crypto-backed USDC loans for UK users. The rollout aligns with ongoing regulatory developments shaping the country’s crypto market.
According to Coinbase, users can borrow USDC using Bitcoin, Ether, or cbETH as collateral. The move expands Coinbase crypto loans and increases access to liquidity without requiring asset sales.
The loans are issued by Morpho, which operates on the Base network. Borrower limits vary depending on how much collateral they put into their loan. Interest rates for these loans fluctuate and are dependent upon market conditions.
There isn’t a predetermined date to repay the loan. If an individual uses this product and exceeds the threshold of loan to value ratio, then liquidation risk exists.
Coinbase expands its lending strategy amid global rollout of crypto-backed USDC loan product. The crypto firm’s initial rollout of this product occurred in the United States in 2025.
That product enabled individuals to borrow up to one million dollars using Ether as collateral. Coinbase expanded the product to the UK to reflect Coinbase’s desire to scale the crypto-backed USDC loan product globally.
Additionally, this new offering in the UK adds another layer of support for Coinbase’s crypto-loans business. This follows increasing interest among both institutional investors and consumers.
In March 2026, Coinbase entered into a partnership with Better Home & Finance. Through this partnership, Coinbase customers will be able to use their cryptocurrencies to make mortgage down payments.
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UK’s regulatory environment continues to influence the expansion of crypto lending in the country. Regulatory environments continue to shape the evolution of crypto lending in the UK.
Specifically, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is developing an open consultation on a proposed regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. The proposed framework is scheduled to become effective in October 2027.
It will address all types of cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, custodial services, exchanges, and staking services. Currently, there is limited regulation governing the activities of crypto companies operating within the country.
Existing regulations currently in place primarily concern anti-money laundering requirements and advertising regulations. In February 2025, Coinbase successfully received registration from the FCA.
Registration allows Coinbase to offer services to both institutional and retail customers located in the UK. The current expansion represents larger trends in growth in crypto-lending markets in the UK. Additionally, it provides Coinbase with a competitive advantage due to increased regulatory certainty.
According to Coinbase, the launch further supports its on-chain financial infrastructure strategy. As part of its overall strategy to route all consumer financial transactions through blockchain systems, the company continued to build out its infrastructure.
The new product expands Coinbase’s suite of UK-based products. Prior to launching crypto-backed USDC loans, Coinbase introduced decentralized exchange (DEX) trading and savings account products in 2025.
Crypto-backed USDC loans do not require asset liquidation. This provides greater liquidity options for long-term owners of assets who wish to utilize their capital for other purposes.
The trend toward increasing integration of DeFi with legacy financial systems, along with increasing institutional confidence in Coinbase’s crypto loan products in the UK.
If the demand for structured crypto-credit products increases as regulation matures, Coinbase has positioned itself favorably relative to other crypto lenders.
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