The growing inflationary pressure continues to strain economies around the world, undermining purchasing power and poses a threat to financial security. Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder and chief strategy officer of LEDN, a leading digital asset lending platform, argues that inflation often clashes with the most difficult and destructive social stability for the middle class.
Bitcoin is widely recognized as a hedge against valuable stores and inflation, but while it shares Bartolomeo’s sentiment, it also highlighted an interesting use case for BTC: Bitcoin-Backed Loans. In an exclusive interview with Beincrypto, he confirmed that these loans act as middle class “escape hatches” from currency devaluation.
How Bitcoin Protects Wealth Amid Hyperinflation
In recent years, hyperinflation has become a major concern in many countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. The rapid devaluation of the currency has led to economic collapse and rising costs of living.
“One person in Zig861.14 in January 2025 Zig861.14 has risen 6% from Zig805.95 in December 2024,” local media reported.
Beyond its economic impact, hyperinflation also erodes social structures and exacerbates inequality. Bartolomeo explained that those who save dollars or foreign assets can maintain wealth in such times.
However, the majority sees that local currency and assets quickly lose value and remain financially vulnerable.
“Hyperinflation tends to wipe out the middle class to reveal the important disparities within it: those who were lucky enough to own international assets and those who either rely on or still save on local assets,” Bartolomeo told Beincrypto.
In contrast, he emphasized that Bitcoin offers an alternative that is isolated from local economic fluctuations. Bartolomeo emphasized that the Bitcoin features make it uniquely suitable for these situations. It is divisible, accessible, censor-resistant, and an effective reservoir of value.
He further noted that Bitcoin has historically been volatile, but has become more stable over time. Meanwhile, Fiat currency continues to lose its value in comparison.
Bitcoin Case: Why is it a wiser choice than traditional safe haven assets?
All these traits are persuasive to the Bitcoin case, but there are still important questions. Why do middle-class investors choose Bitcoin over traditional safe assets like gold and real estate?
“Bitcoin can be purchased in small fractions. This means that people can put in $100 per month of paizeks and build wealth over time. They can’t buy fractions for business or investment property.
Bartolomeo detailed how traditional investments, such as stocks and real estate, are often strictly regulated. Additionally, these markets may be suspended by stock exchange closures or legal or procedural hurdles. This prevents access to liquid capital.
Furthermore, while gold remains strong in times of crisis, it presents the challenges of emergency capital storage, transportation and rapid sales. According to him, Bitcoin will tackle these challenges. It’s easy to buy, store and transfer digitally without the need for physical security or complex transportation.
“And importantly, it can be easily purchased in fractions and does not require you to “melt” into a new bar or weigh it when using or using it. I believe Bitcoin will overtake gold as a favorable hedge against currency debate and inflation,” Bartolomeo said.
Bitcoin-assisted loans: a game changer in global finance
The co-founders of LEDN emphasized that beyond functioning as a valuable store, Bitcoin unlocks new opportunities in financial services through Bitcoin-backed loans. In context, a Bitcoin Assistance Loan is a loan that is protected by using Bitcoin as collateral.
Instead of traditional assets such as real estate and stocks, borrowers can pledge to hold Bitcoin and borrow Fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies. Bartolomeo details that Bitcoin-backed loans provide unparalleled access to global financial markets, but cannot provide other assets.
“Bitcoin-supported lending also provides access to global capital charges, regardless of local economic situations, regardless of local economic situations. This breaks the traditional geographical monopoly of local lenders and creates financial opportunities in areas traditionally unserved by banking.
He added that having access to stable capital will allow individuals to invest in businesses, support their children’s education and create long-term plans that will be out of reach of local currency depreciation.
But is borrowing against Bitcoin better than holding it? According to the executive, decisions ultimately depend on individual needs.
He emphasized that holding Bitcoin is often the easiest choice if an individual has easily available capital. why? This is because it does not involve any additional risks other than those linked to the investment itself.
Meanwhile, for those who need funds for their daily expenses or take advantage of investment opportunities, Bitcoin-supported loans offer a way to access capital while benefiting from the potential opposite of Bitcoin.
“We consider Bitcoin to be the most primitive collateral in the world. It is 24/7, deeply fluid, and we believe transactions can be sent worldwide in real time,” he commented.
Bartolomeo also suggested that Bitcoin could gain traction in middle class retirement strategies. This is particularly relevant in countries with unstable currency or poorly designed retirement systems.
“Even in developed countries like the US, traditional retirement playbooks with heavy weight on bonds and equities have lagged behind the pace of inflation under the current financial background. Bitcoin offers uncorrelated assets with significant growth potential that not only protects passive savings, but also converts them into active capital without sacrificing ownership.”
Thus, Bitcoin-backed loans defended by Mauricio di Bartolomeo provide a lifeline for individuals and economics hit by inflation and currency devaluation. By providing access to global capital, maintaining wealth and promoting financial inclusion, Bitcoin functions more than just a speculative asset. It becomes a practical tool to reconstruct and maintain the middle class.
As economic pressures increase, Di Bartolomeo’s vision strengthens the potential for Bitcoin to bridge the collapsed financial system into stable financial markets. This provides hope and opportunity in times of uncertainty.
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