Borrow Dollars, Hold Bitcoin: The Debasement Play with Mauricio Di Bartolomeo

Natalie Brunell is joined by Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Co-Founder & CSO of Ledn (www.ledn.io/natalie), to demystify Bitcoin-backed loans. We discuss:

- What is a Bitcoin-backed loan?
- Why are the interest rates so high compared to other loans?
- What if Bitcoin's price drops when you take a loan?
- Shorting fiat currency and going long digital property aka Bitcoin
- Origin story of Ledn
- Escaping socialism in Venezuela

Follow Mauricio Di Bartolomeo on X https://x.com/cryptonomista

📖 Pre-order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," available November 18, 2025. https://harriman-house.com/authors/natalie-brunell/bitcoin-is-for-everyone/9781804091135

⚡Coin Stories is powered by *Gemini* Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie

⚡*Bitwise* has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the US and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com

⚡ *Ledn* is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks and no monthly payments. Get .25% off your first loan -- Learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie

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*IN THIS COIN STORIES EPISODE*
00:00 What is Ledn? And what are Bitcoin-backed loans?
2:55 Rates vs traditional debt; cost of capital
6:00 Gemini Bitcoin Credit Card | Bitwise | Ledn Bitcoin-backed Loans
7:37 Why demand for BTC loans is rising
12:10 How Ledn loans work (mechanics)
17:49 Loan-to-value (LTV) explained in plain English
19:56 Speed Wallet | Bitkey | The Bitcoin Way | Genius Academy
21:46 Planning tools & $500 minimums
26:32 30-year Bitcoin mortgage?
29:25 Mauricio’s Venezuela origin story
39:17 UAE vs Venezuela: why corruption kills oil wealth
41:36 US & Europe live in a fantasy world
43:54 Mauricio's vision: $1T bitcoin-credit market, global parity

*OTHER RESOURCES*
Natalie Brunell’s website https://www.talkingbitcoin.com/

*FOLLOW NATALIE BRUNELL ON SOCIAL MEDIA*
X https://x.com/natbrunell
https://www.instagram.com/nataliebrunell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebrunell

Producer: Aron Bender https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-bender/
Editor: Silas Foley

📄 LEGAL & RISK DISCLOSURE

1. No Financial Advice: This content is for entertainment purposes only and not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Always consult a professional.
2. Sponsored Content & Affiliate Links: I may receive compensation when you use them, which helps support the channel at no additional cost to you.
3. Crypto Risk Warning: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and speculative. Risks include loss of capital, extreme price swings, and lack of regulatory protection.
4. Jurisdiction Notice: This content may not be appropriate for residents of jurisdictions where digital asset promotions are restricted or prohibited. Please verify your local laws before engaging.
5. Accuracy & Timeliness: All content reflects personal opinion and is based on available information at the time of recording. No guarantees are made regarding accuracy or future performance.

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