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BREAKING🚨 -  Swan Bitcoin Launches Institutional Division, Deploys $205M Across Equity, Credit, and Hedge Funds Swan Institutional business lines include bitcoin-backed lending, advisor services, asset management, private equity, and the USA’s first Bitcoin-only trust company. In 2023 Swan raised and deployed $205M of capital across its equity, credit, and hedge funds, and currently generates $125M annualized revenue. The company expects to cross $200M annualized revenue in Q1 and plans to raise an additional $150M to fund expansion. CALABASAS, CA – December 7, 2023 – Swan Bitcoin, a leading Bitcoin financial services company, today announced a new unit, Swan Institutional, broadening its presence in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Swan also disclosed revenue and funding achievements in 2023 and expectations going forward. “Doing the best thing for Bitcoin and Bitcoiners is Swan’s mission,” said Cory Klippsten (@coryswan), founder and CEO of Swan. “Retail financial services remains the heart and soul of Swan, but there is so much more we can do to accelerate Bitcoin adoption. We are addressing the best of these opportunities with Swan Institutional.” Business lines under the new unit include bitcoin-backed lending, advisor services, asset management, private equity, and the USA’s first Bitcoin-only trust company. Bitcoin-Backed Lending Swan Lending provides Bitcoin-backed loans for institutional investors, companies, and family offices seeking liquidity from $1M to $50M. It facilitates dollar-denominated loans for clients using their Bitcoin as collateral. Jonathan Melton (@jmelton21mm), Swan's Head of Institutional Sales, said, "Swan Lending offers a practical solution for institutions holding Bitcoin that don’t want to sell. We understand the long-term potential of Bitcoin and the importance of safeguarding collateral.” A core tenet of the service is Swan’s policy against rehypothecation, ensuring that Bitcoin collateral is never transferred or invested elsewhere. Rapha Zagury (@rapha_at_swan), Swan’s CIO, added, “In Bitcoin lending, avoiding rehypothecation is crucial. After seeing Bitcoin get mixed up in company balance sheets in the past, it’s clear that this policy is essential for institutions using Bitcoin as collateral.”  Swan Lending focuses solely on Bitcoin, recognizing its unique position as pristine collateral in the global asset landscape due to Bitcoin's proven history, reliability, high 24/7 trading volume, and worldwide acceptance. Advisor Services Swan Advisor Services gives financial advisors access to Bitcoin and related services for their clients, extending their trusted relationships to include this unique new asset. “The consensus is developing that ignoring Bitcoin is irresponsible, and potentially a breach of a financial advisor’s fiduciary duties,” said Ryan Flynn, managing director of Swan Advisor. “Working with the best financial services team in Bitcoin, advisors can now confidently buy, hold, and manage real bitcoin on behalf of their clients. Gaining exposure in the underlying asset, whether personally or in trust, for both regular and tax-sheltered investments, “provides tremendous benefits over proxies like an ETF,” said Flynn. Asset Management Swan Asset Management develops strategies that include Bitcoin within the asset allocation mandates of family offices, trusts, HNWI, companies, and institutions. The first fund from the unit, Timechain Alpha, launched fully subscribed with $50M under management. Through a collection of actively managed and systematic strategies, Swan plans to offer best-in-class products at key points along the efficient frontier. Zagury anticipates launching at least two more strategies in 2024. “The unique characteristics of Bitcoin can help institutional investors achieve their investment mandates at a time when traditional strategies are under pressure,” said Zagury. Private Equity Through the newly formed Swan Ventures, via balance sheet investments, and in partnership with capital providers, Swan invests across the Bitcoin ecosystem, fostering adoption and technological advancement. With $125M already deployed, the company is well on the way to meeting its target of allocating $1 billion by 2026, according to the company’s president, Guilherme Gomes (@GuiAmadoGomes). Bitcoin-only Trust Company Swan previously announced their intention to create the first Bitcoin-only trust company in the USA to provide qualified custodial services to clients. In partnership with @BitGo, a leader in Bitcoin custody, the new unit will ensure the safety and security of Bitcoin purchased from Swan and other users of its service that is not taken into self-custody by investors. Holding Bitcoin in a legal trust in each customer’s name provides the best form of legal protection for Bitcoin custodied in the United States. “For years, we’ve heard from major clients, partners, and other Bitcoin companies that they would prefer a Bitcoin-only software and services stack, focused strictly on the best custody and leveraging Bitcoin’s unique features,” said Cory Klippsten. “It's important for the Bitcoin industry to have a custodian free of the risks that come with securing altcoins.” Revenue and Funding Milestones In 2023 Swan raised $205M of equity and credit funding, and currently generates $125M annualized revenue. The company expects to cross $200M annualized revenue in Q1 2024 and plans to raise an additional $150M to fund expansion. “Swan’s bitcoin-only focus perfectly positions us to identify and execute on a set of incredible opportunities,” said Klippsten. “Our guiding principle of aligning ourselves at all times with the long term success of Bitcoin has made it straightforward to decide what to pursue, who to hire, and who to partner with. We’re creating products and services alongside Bitcoin that are built to last and to support its expansion, because Bitcoin is itself built to last. This strategy attracts talent, capital, customers, and partners who are themselves interested in creating, employing, and enjoying that which is built to last.” Said Swan’s co-founder and CTO Yan Pritzker (@skwp), “Bitcoin is a movement, and it's important that we all do our part to further its adoption to ensure freedom and abundance in our society. With the launch of these initiatives, we are playing an important role in accelerating and strengthening #Bitcoin  every step of the way.” Learn more: swan.com/institutional