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Blockchain Lender Figure Raises $787.5 Million in U.S. IPO at $5.3 Billion Valuation

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Figure Technology, a blockchain-based lender and stablecoin issuer, raised $787.5 million in its U.S. initial public offering on Wednesday, marking one of the year’s largest debuts from the crypto sector as digital assets gain wider mainstream traction.

The New York-based company and its investors sold 31.5 million shares at $25 each, above the raised price range of $20–$22. The deal valued Figure at $5.29 billion. Originally slated to offer 26 million shares, the firm boosted the size of the sale on Tuesday amid strong demand.

Shares will begin trading Thursday on the Nasdaq under the ticker FIGR. Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and BofA Securities acted as lead underwriters.

Figure’s Business

Founded in 2018, Figure uses blockchain technology to connect lenders and borrowers, particularly in the housing market. According to its filings, the company can fund home equity loans in just 10 days, compared to the industry average of 42 days.

The IPO also drew interest from major investors. Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller’s Duquesne Family Office indicated plans to purchase up to $50 million worth of shares.

Crypto Momentum

The listing comes as the crypto sector surpasses $4 trillion in market value, boosted by regulatory wins under a pro-crypto White House, corporate adoption of digital assets, and strong inflows into crypto-linked ETFs.

Figure joins a wave of companies going public in what is shaping up to be one of the busiest weeks for U.S. IPOs in years. Swedish fintech Klarna jumped 30% in its New York debut earlier the same day, while Gemini, Via, and Black Rock Coffee are expected to price offerings next.

India Shies Away from Full Crypto Regulation, Citing Systemic Risk Concerns

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India is unlikely to adopt a comprehensive legal framework for cryptocurrencies, opting instead for partial oversight to avoid exposing its financial system to systemic risks, according to a government document seen by Reuters.

Key Points from the Document

  • RBI’s stance: The Reserve Bank of India believes regulating cryptocurrencies would effectively grant them legitimacy and could allow the sector to grow into a systemic risk.

  • Legislation status: A 2021 draft bill to ban private cryptocurrencies was never passed. A planned 2024 discussion paper was deferred pending U.S. regulatory clarity.

  • Ban vs. regulation: While a ban could curb speculative risks, it would not eliminate peer-to-peer transfers or trading on decentralized exchanges.

  • Current approach:

    • Global exchanges may operate in India if they register locally and comply with anti–money laundering checks.

    • Punitive taxes discourage speculative activity.

    • Current laws act as a deterrent against fraud and illegal use.

  • Scale of adoption: Indians hold about $4.5 billion in crypto assets, which remains non-systemic for financial stability at present.

Global Context

  • United States: Under President Trump, the U.S. legalized wider use of stablecoins via the GENIUS Act (July 2025).

  • China: Continues to ban cryptocurrencies but is considering a Yuan-backed stablecoin.

  • Japan & Australia: Developing cautious regulatory frameworks without aggressive promotion.

Stablecoin Concerns

  • The document highlights that widespread adoption of dollar-backed stablecoins could:

    • Fragment India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system.

    • Weaken domestic payment infrastructure.

    • Create new risks from liquidity shocks and global market volatility.

Outlook

India’s “wait-and-watch” approach underscores a balancing act: deterring speculative trading without granting legitimacy that could make crypto mainstream. While global peers move toward clearer frameworks, India seems intent on limiting crypto’s footprint in its financial system until international standards stabilize.

Gemini Raises IPO Price Range, Eyes $3B Valuation in Crypto Market Surge

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Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, has increased its IPO price range to $24–$26 per share, aiming for a valuation of up to $3.08 billion. The move reflects heightened investor appetite for crypto ventures amid a broader revival in U.S. equity markets.

IPO Details

  • Shares Offered: 16.67 million

  • Proceeds: Up to $433.3 million at the new range

  • Previous Range: $17–$19 per share

  • Private Placement: Nasdaq to purchase $50 million in shares, as reported by Reuters earlier Tuesday.

  • Ticker Symbol: GEMI, to list on Nasdaq

  • Lead Bookrunners: Goldman Sachs and Citigroup

Market Context

  • IPO Climate: U.S. listings have picked up pace as lower interest rates and strong equity sentiment bolster demand.

  • Crypto Firms in Focus: Figure Technologies also raised its IPO size and pricing range the same day.

  • Regulatory & Institutional Support: Tailwinds from ETF approvals and institutional adoption are narrowing the divide between traditional finance and digital assets.

Competitive Landscape

  • Gemini will become the third publicly traded crypto exchange, following:

    • Coinbase (COIN.O): First to join the S&P 500

    • Bullish: Shares more than doubled after its NYSE debut last month

Background

  • Founders: Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known for their 2008 legal dispute with Facebook (now Meta) and early Bitcoin investments.

  • Positioning: Gemini holds billions in assets and offers a mix of trading, custody, staking, and institutional services.