How Bitcoin-Backed Loans Are Empowering the Global Middle Class to Fight Inflation

As inflation continues to strain households across the globe, the middle class finds itself increasingly vulnerable to rising prices and the erosion of purchasing power. In this climate of economic uncertainty, new financial tools are emerging that could offer a lifeline—among them, Bitcoin-backed loans.

Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Ledn, a digital asset lending platform, believes these loans can offer an escape route for people struggling to preserve their wealth in the face of currency devaluation. In countries where hyperinflation has destabilized economies—such as Zimbabwe, Argentina, Venezuela, and Nigeria—the potential of Bitcoin to protect value and unlock capital is gaining attention.

Bitcoin as a Safe Haven in Times of Hyperinflation

Di Bartolomeo highlights how hyperinflation has devastated local economies, particularly impacting the middle class. While some individuals safeguard their wealth through foreign currencies or offshore assets, many others face rapid erosion of savings as their local currencies spiral downward.

“Hyperinflation tends to wipe out the middle class because it exposes a key divide: those with access to international assets and those relying solely on local resources,” Di Bartolomeo noted.

Bitcoin’s appeal, he argues, lies in its fundamental attributes: it is decentralized, censorship-resistant, divisible, and globally accessible. Unlike fiat currencies, which can lose value rapidly in unstable economies, Bitcoin offers a borderless store of value that isn't tied to any government or central bank.

Why Bitcoin Over Gold or Real Estate?

Although gold and real estate have long been traditional safe-haven assets, Bartolomeo explained why Bitcoin might offer a more practical solution—especially for the average worker.

“People can start small—investing $100 from their paycheck into Bitcoin. Try doing that with real estate or shares in a private company,” he said. The ability to buy Bitcoin in fractions makes it more accessible than physical gold or property, which often require significant upfront capital.

In contrast to gold, which presents logistical challenges in terms of storage and liquidity, Bitcoin is easily transferred, stored digitally, and traded 24/7 across borders. For middle-class individuals in emerging markets, these features can offer greater flexibility and resilience during economic downturns.

Unlocking Financial Access Through Bitcoin-Backed Loans

Beyond its role as a store of value, Bitcoin opens new pathways to liquidity through collateralized loans. In a Bitcoin-backed loan, individuals pledge their digital assets as collateral in exchange for fiat currency or stablecoins, without needing to sell their holdings.

This approach, according to Di Bartolomeo, democratizes access to global capital markets:
“Borrowers can tap into international lending rates, breaking down the monopoly of local banks and creating financial opportunity in underbanked regions,” he explained.

Such access can enable families to invest in education, small businesses, or long-term savings—all while preserving their Bitcoin holdings. The model is particularly effective in countries where banking systems are weak or untrustworthy.

To Borrow or to Hold?

While holding Bitcoin may be the preferred route for those with enough savings, taking a loan backed by Bitcoin becomes attractive when immediate capital is needed. Whether it’s to seize a business opportunity or cover urgent expenses, this type of lending offers flexibility without liquidating valuable assets.

“Bitcoin is the world’s most pristine collateral. It trades around the clock, is highly liquid, and can be transferred instantly worldwide,” Di Bartolomeo said.

He also suggested that Bitcoin’s use could extend into retirement planning—especially in regions where pension systems lag behind inflation or where traditional investment strategies have become less effective.

“In developed economies too, traditional strategies built on bonds and equities are starting to falter. Bitcoin offers diversification and growth potential in an increasingly uncertain financial landscape,” he added.