Marex, a global financial services firm, has made an undisclosed investment in Digital Prime to expand its institutional crypto lending business. The capital will go toward building Tokenet, a digital asset lending platform. The deal lands as demand for institutional-grade crypto infrastructure keeps climbing.
Inside Tokenet
Tokenet is a digital asset lending platform designed for institutional players. The investment from Marex will support its development, though the exact terms of the deal haven't been made public. Digital Prime focuses on providing prime brokerage services for crypto, and Tokenet is meant to streamline lending for that client base.
Why institutional lending is heating up
Institutional demand for crypto lending infrastructure has been rising steadily. Hedge funds, asset managers, and family offices are looking for ways to borrow and lend digital assets without the operational headaches of dealing with multiple counterparties. Platforms like Tokenet aim to offer a single interface for that activity. Marex's move signals that traditional finance firms see an opportunity in serving that need.
Marex's crypto strategy
Marex is best known for its work in commodities, metals, and energy markets. Over the past year it has been quietly building out its digital asset capabilities. This investment in Digital Prime is another step in that direction. The firm hasn't said whether it plans to offer crypto lending directly or simply back the infrastructure. Either way, the bet is that institutions will need more than just spot trading and custody.
The investment amount remains undisclosed. No timeline has been given for Tokenet's full launch. What's clear is that the race to build institutional lending rails is still on, and Marex just bought a ticket.
