 ▲ DeFi |
Global asset manager Apollo Global Management is making a full-scale entry into the crypto lending market through a strategic partnership with a decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocol, leading the on-chain transition of institutional finance.
According to Cointelegraph on February 16, Apollo Global Management has signed a partnership agreement with decentralized finance lending platform Morpho (MORPHO) and agreed to acquire an equity stake in the project. Apollo plans to purchase up to 90 million MORPHO tokens over the next four years, representing approximately 9% of the total supply. The news that a major asset manager will directly deploy capital into blockchain-based lending infrastructure has heightened market expectations.
Apollo’s investment is structured around a long-term partnership. Apollo and its affiliates will acquire the tokens over the next 48 months through various methods, including open market purchases and over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, with certain transfer and trading restrictions applied to the acquired assets for a specified period. Beyond a simple investment, Apollo intends to support the advancement of the on-chain lending market using the Morpho protocol while combining its financial expertise with the blockchain ecosystem.
Morpho currently holds approximately $5.8 billion in total value locked, positioning it as a major DeFi protocol offering yield optimization services to investors. Recently, digital asset manager Bitwise launched a yield-generating vault using Morpho, and Bitcoin-based financial project Lombard joined as a liquidity partner, signaling accelerating institutional participation. Apollo reportedly recognized Morpho’s technical sophistication and its potential for developing institutional-grade financial products, leading to this collaboration.
Apollo’s entry, with approximately $940 billion in assets under management, is seen as a pivotal moment in accelerating the institutionalization of the cryptocurrency market. Exclusive financial advisory services for the partnership were provided by Galaxy Digital UK Limited, enhancing the transaction’s professionalism. Apollo plans to leverage blockchain technology to increase transparency in lending processes, deliver innovative financial solutions, and expand on-chain finance through initiatives such as the tokenization of real-world assets.
The collaboration between Apollo and Morpho symbolizes a major paradigm shift as traditional financial capital increasingly integrates into decentralized financial systems. As large institutions become key stakeholders in blockchain infrastructure, the crypto lending market is evolving beyond speculative activity into practical financial services. Apollo aims to further expand its influence within the on-chain financial ecosystem and lead the next generation of digital asset-based financial markets.
Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses incurred based on it. The content should be interpreted solely for informational purposes.