Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Figure vs. Firefish

Figure charges 8.91%–11.5% APR with a 1% origination fee using custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated). Firefish charges ≈7%–13% (P2P) APR with a 1.5% origination fee using non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-06-09

How do Figure and Firefish compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?

Figure offers a lower headline rate at 8.91%–11.5% compared to Firefish's ≈7%–13% (P2P). On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Figure saves $24,900 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees). From a custody perspective, Firefish presents lower counterparty risk with its non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions) model.

Figure vs. Firefish: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Figure
Firefish
Interest Rate (APR)
8.91%–11.5%Figure
≈7%–13% (P2P)
Origination Fee
1%Figure
1.5%
Max Starting LTV
75%Figure
50%
Margin Call Threshold
70% LTV
73% LTVFirefish
Liquidation Threshold
85% LTV
95% LTVFirefish
Margin Call Window
24 hoursFigure
Threshold-based
Custody Model
Custodial (Figure Markets MPC wallet, segregated)
Non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions)Firefish
Rehypothecation
No
No
Interest Payment
Monthly
At maturity
Minimum Loan
$5,000
$1,000Firefish

APR by Loan Size: Figure vs. Firefish

Figure structures rates by LTV ratio rather than loan amount, so the rate depends on how much collateral you pledge relative to the loan. Total year-1 cost includes both annualized interest and any origination fees charged upfront.

Loan SizeFigure APRFirefish APRFigure Total Year-1 CostFirefish Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,0008.91%10.9%$9,910$12,400$2,490 with Figure
$250,0008.91%10.9%$24,775$31,000$6,225 with Figure
$500,0008.91%10.9%$49,550$62,000$12,450 with Figure
$1M8.91%10.9%$99,100$124,000$24,900 with Figure
$5M8.91%10.9%$495,500$620,000$124,500 with Figure

Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Figure: 1% origination fee. Firefish: 1.5% origination fee. Firefish rates are set by the lending marketplace; the table uses a representative recent rate. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-06-09.

Custody and Collateral Security

Figure and Firefish take fundamentally different approaches to collateral custody. Figure uses Custodial (Figure Markets MPC wallet, segregated). Your Bitcoin is held by Figure and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action. Firefish uses Non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions). Your Bitcoin is locked on the Bitcoin blockchain in a smart contract. Neither Firefish nor any third party can access or move your collateral.

Figure: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (Figure Markets MPC wallet, segregated)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • 8.
Firefish: Low (Non-Custodial)
  • Non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • At-maturity interest payments
  • European P2P marketplace (EUR, CZK, CHF, PLN fiat + USDC) — rates set by investor supply and demand, typically ~7-13% (advertised 'from 5%').

Margin Call and Liquidation: Figure vs. Firefish

Figure triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 85% LTV. Firefish triggers margin calls at 73% LTV and liquidates at 95% LTV. Figure gives borrowers 24 hours to respond to a margin call. Firefish uses threshold-based triggers without a fixed response window.

ThresholdFigureFirefish
Max Starting LTV75%50%
Margin Call70% LTV73% LTV
Margin Call Window24 hoursThreshold-based
Liquidation85% LTV95% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

Figure: 10.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (75%) and liquidation (85%). Firefish: 45.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (95%). Firefish provides a wider safety margin.

Which is better: Figure or Firefish?

Choosing between Figure and Firefish requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Figure uses custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated) with 8.91%–11.5% APR, while Firefish uses non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions) with ≈7%–13% (P2P) APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Figure costs $24,775 in the first year versus $31,000 at Firefish, a difference of $6,225. Part of Firefish's higher cost comes from its 1.5% origination fee, which adds $3,750 upfront on this loan size.

The custody difference is material. Firefish uses non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions), which means your Bitcoin requires multiple key holders to coordinate, reducing single-point-of-failure risk. Figure uses custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated). In a platform insolvency scenario, Firefish borrowers' collateral is protected by the multisig architecture, while Figure borrowers may face creditor claims.

Figure is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Firefish is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or more flexible access.

Key details to be aware of: Figure: 8.91% interest (9. Firefish: European P2P marketplace (EUR, CZK, CHF, PLN fiat + USDC) — rates set by investor supply and demand, typically ~7-13% (advertised 'from 5%'). 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Figure or Firefish cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

Figure is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Figure costs $49,550 (8.91% APR + 1% origination fee) while Firefish costs $62,000 (10.9% APR + 1.5% origination fee). That is a $12,450 difference in the first year.

How does Figure's custody model compare to Firefish?

Figure uses custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated). Firefish uses non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions). Firefish presents lower custody risk because your collateral requires coordination among multiple key holders.

What is the minimum loan amount at Figure vs Firefish?

Figure's minimum loan is $5,000. Firefish's minimum is $1,000. Firefish is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with Figure or Firefish?

Figure issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 24-hour response window and liquidates at 85% LTV. Firefish issues a margin call at 73% LTV (threshold-based, no fixed window) and liquidates at 95% LTV. Starting from a 50% LTV, Figure provides a 35-point buffer before liquidation, while Firefish provides a 45-point buffer.

Should I use Figure or Firefish for a Bitcoin-backed loan?

It depends on your priorities. Figure (8.91%–11.5% APR, custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated), min $5,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial (figure markets mpc wallet, segregated) and need smaller loan access. Firefish (≈7%–13% (P2P) APR, non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions), min $1,000) is better for borrowers who value non-custodial escrow (3-of-3 pre-signed transactions) and need smaller loan access. Use the rate table and cost comparison above to model your specific scenario.

Other comparisons

Looking for a non-custodial alternative?

Lygos offers 10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral where rehypothecation is cryptographically impossible.

Figure vs Firefish: Bitcoin Loan Comparison | Lygos