Ether.fi launches tokenized stocks, metals trading and Aave-backed portfolio loans

Aug 13, 2026

Ether.fi has launched its upgraded "Summer" neobank release, integrating tokenized stock and metal trading via xStocks, portfolio-backed borrowing near 4% via Aave on Optimism, and global fiat rails supporting over 30 currencies. Led by CEO Mike Silagadze, the platform aims to replace traditional banking for its 500,000 users. While cardholders receive 3% cashback, tokenized stock trading remains restricted for U.S. users. The update also introduces programmatic ETHFI token buybacks funded by protocol revenues.

Ether.fi neobank Summer release

▪Ether.fi launched its "Summer" release on August 13, 2026, upgrading its non-custodial neobank app to integrate tokenized asset trading, portfolio-backed borrowing, and global fiat payments.
▪Ether.fi CEO Mike Silagadze stated that the upgraded neobank app is designed to replace traditional bank accounts for most users by combining self-custody with decentralized financial tools.

Tokenized stocks trading integration

▪Ether.fi's tokenized stock integration initially supports select equities and gold alongside crypto assets including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Hyperliquid, and ETHFI.
▪The Ether.fi Summer release integrates tokenized equities and commodities trading through xStocks, allowing eligible users to hold these assets inside self-custodial vaults with social recovery.
▪Tokenized stock and metal trading on the Ether.fi app is restricted and remains unavailable to users in the United States and certain other jurisdictions.

Aave portfolio borrowing Optimism

▪The proposed Aave V4 whitelabel instance terms allocate 20% of its revenue to Aave's DAO, which Ether.fi projects at $1 million to $1.2 million annually.
▪The Ether.fi app integrates an Aave market running on the Optimism network, allowing users to borrow against their entire portfolio at decentralized finance rates near 4%.
▪Ether.fi proposed a dedicated, fully managed Aave V4 whitelabel instance on Optimism in July 2026, which passed initial governance stages but requires a final vote for confirmation.

Global fiat payment rails

▪The upgraded Ether.fi fiat accounts support global deposits and withdrawals using named accounts for users who have completed identity verification checks.
▪Ether.fi added new deposit and withdrawal connections supporting more than 30 fiat currencies and payment methods, including Apple Pay, Cash App, and Interac.

Cash card cashback benefits

▪Ether.fi Cash cardholders receive 3% cashback on purchases, with monthly cashback caps set at $2,000 for Core, $10,000 for Luxe, and $50,000 for Pinnacle tiers.
▪Ether.fi has issued approximately 150,000 payment cards and serves about 500,000 users, with its card settling $723.4 million across 9.07 million transactions since November 2024.
▪Ether.fi removed top-up charges for its Cash card and eliminated foreign-exchange fees for customers at higher membership tiers, while maintaining a 2% ATM withdrawal fee.

ETHFI programmatic buybacks

▪Ether.fi's programmatic buybacks are written directly into protocol contracts, with proceeds from weekly and monthly buyback schedules distributed to sETHFI holders.
▪The Summer release introduces programmatic buybacks of Ether.fi's governance token, ETHFI, funded by a share of revenue generated across all of the platform's products.