Crypto Lender Celsius Network Raises $400M in Bid to Reassure Regulators

Cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network has raised $400 million in equity funding, the company said.

• The investment will help reassure regulators of the credibility of Celsius Network’s business, CEO Alex Mashinsky told the Financial Times, which reported the investment earlier Tuesday.
• “It’s not the $400 million. It’s the credibility that comes with the people who wrote those cheques.”
• Last year, the company raised $30 million in an equity round led by Tether at a pre-money valuation of $120 million.
• The crypto lender has been subject to multiple moves by state regulators in the U.S, in response to its lending products.
• Last month, Celsius Network received a cease-and-desist order from Kentucky’s securities regulator over interest earned on certain crypto accounts. The regulator says the accounts violate securities laws and fail to disclose to customers what happens to their deposits and whether they are protected.
• The action followed challenges to Celsius by the regulators of Alabama, New Jersey and Texas.

Read more: Tether Has Loaned $1B to Celsius Network: Report

UPDATE (OCT. 12, 12:22 UTC): Adds previous equity funding amount, as well as background on regulatory action.

UPDATE (OCT. 12, 14:09 UTC): Changes sourcing to company statement.