Ether.fi expands DeFi services with tokenized stocks and loans

Ether.fi is expanding its decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities by introducing tokenized stocks and portfolio-backed loans. Through its “Summer” release, the platform will allow users to trade tokenized equities, metals, and crypto-assets via xStocks and Ether.fi Vaults.

Additionally, the platform is integrating a lending feature through an Aave market on Optimism, enabling users to use their entire portfolio as collateral for loans. CEO Mike Silagadze stated that the company’s goal is to “replace the traditional bank for most users” by providing institutional-grade tools to individual investors through self-custody.

Following these announcements, the ETHFI token experienced significant market activity, seeing price increases of approximately 14% to 18%. On-chain data indicates growing protocol usage, with fees reaching $2.8 million in a recent week and total value locked (TVL) rising to approximately $3.53 billion.