Switzerland-based crypto lending platform 8lends has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ice Open Network (ION), a layer 1 blockchain, with the objective of streamlining the deployment of decentralized applications (DApps). The collaboration will see 8lends integrated into Online+, the primary application of the ION ecosystem, which currently hosts over 100 decentralized projects and supports more than 3,000 verified creators.
The integration of 8lends into the ION DApp Framework via Online+ is positioned to benefit both investors and developers. With over 40 million active users on Online+, the platform is designed to be free of algorithms and resistant to censorship, allowing open and unrestricted interaction. Through this partnership, developers gain access to tools that offer built-in monetization, project discovery, and user growth mechanisms, while investors can browse vetted lending opportunities with greater transparency.
8lends brings its expertise in asset-backed crypto lending to this new environment. The platform facilitates lending by connecting institutional and retail investors to borrowers who leverage tangible assets—such as real estate or equipment—as equity. Transactions are executed via smart contracts, enabling secure, transparent, and traceable funding and repayment processes.
The integration of these lending features into a no-code environment is expected to reduce friction for new participants. By eliminating the need for intermediaries and complex paperwork, onboarding becomes significantly faster and more efficient for both lenders and borrowers. Furthermore, this shift simplifies the loan application and verification process, encouraging broader participation in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
We’re proud to announce our new partnership with @ice_blockchain 🧊
Through their powerful ION DApp Framework, anyone can build and launch decentralized applications — from social networks to e-commerce DApps — with zero code and full ownership.
As part of this partnership,… pic.twitter.com/FcUfjKAG8K
— 8lends (@eightlends) August 6, 2025
The 8lends protocol is regulated in Switzerland, providing developers with a compliant foundation to build innovative financial solutions on top of a high-speed, privacy-focused blockchain. This structure enables developers to stay aligned with regulatory expectations while still leveraging the capabilities of Web3 technologies.
Borrowers on the platform can begin participating with deposits as low as 100 USDC and gain access to asset-backed loans, with tools available for real-time tracking of returns and community interaction within Online+. For investors, the platform offers a diversified source of yield that can be evaluated for volatility and matched to suitable access periods, offering more control and predictability than traditional DeFi models.
The collaboration also includes joint educational initiatives, hackathons, and marketing campaigns, aimed at promoting awareness and use of decentralized financial tools. These efforts are expected to showcase the capabilities of asset-backed lending models, collect user feedback, and refine the products accordingly.
By combining regulated lending solutions with scalable no-code tools, the partnership between 8lends and Ice Open Network seeks to make Web3 finance more accessible to mainstream users. This integration demonstrates a growing effort to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized alternatives, while promoting transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in a rapidly evolving digital economy.