Bitfinex Securities has announced the launch of its first tokenized bond offering. According to a tweet from Paolo Ardoino, the current CTO and incoming CEO of Bitfinex, this milestone marks a “new era for capital raises through deep liquid markets and stock/fond markets,” with Tether’s USDT. The bond will leverage Blockstream Liquid, a sidechain-based settlement network for Bitcoin (BTC).

The bond, labeled ALT2611, is a 36-month offering that carries a 10% coupon rate. It is denominated in USDT and has been floated by a major global leader in the domain of micro-financing. This development is seen as a move to synergize conventional financial instruments, such as bonds, with the flexibility and innovation that blockchain technology offers.

The bond will primarily engage in acquiring risks linked to the debt and equity of micro-financing enterprises, small financial institutions, and other similar entities. Operating primarily in Italy, Romania, Moldova, and regions along the Silk Road, Bitfinex Securities styles the offering as being positioned to tap into an ecosystem that extends financial support to micro, small, and medium-sized ventures.

The offering primarily raises capital through the issuance of midterm fixed coupon bonds and relies on a due diligence process prior to granting any loan.  Collateral, at least equivalent to the loan amount, must always be in place.

The ALT2511 bond has a minimum investment threshold set at 125,000 USDT, with the security’s distribution scheduled within a week following the capital raise’s completion. Moreover, the bond’s maturity is pegged at three years post-issuance, offering a 10% annual yield with quarterly coupon payouts. The security will be governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The product is associated with Mikro Kapital, a group deeply involved in impact investments, especially in emerging nations. Mikro Kapital emphasizes fostering economic development by ensuring capital access to SMEs, underpinning its operations with a responsible lending methodology.

The ALT2511 bond is not available to U.S. investors.