109 - Bitcoin as Collateral: Zaria CEO Emily Barron on Lending Rails

109 - Bitcoin as Collateral: Zaria CEO Emily Barron on Lending Rails

Author: Lynne Bairstow, Israel Munoz September 9, 2026 Duration: 54:11

Emily Barron, CEO and co-founder of Zaria, on why Bitcoin is becoming institutional collateral — and why servicing, not origination, is the bottleneck.

Zaria builds the operational backbone for digital asset-backed loans: 24/7 collateral monitoring, primary and backup servicing, agency functions, and advisory. Emily traces the path from capital-markets work to Bitcoin collateral, the post-2022 reset in digital-asset lending, and Zaria’s bid to become a national trust bank so structured credit can treat BTC like a real fiduciary asset.

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🌴 Join us at Mita TechTalks 2026 — an exclusive gathering for operators, family offices, and industry leaders exploring the future of capital through Bitcoin, AI, and Energy. Oct 25-27, Punta Mita.

Request your invitation: https://2026.mitatechtalks.com/

⚡ Get personalized onboarding at River for Bitcoin-only financial services: https://partner.river.com/buildwithbitcoin⏤ ⏤ ⏤

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emily Barron and Zaria

03:54 The founding story of Zaria and its core mission

09:05 Why Bitcoin is a unique collateral asset

11:59 Recent market developments and institutional involvement

18:07 Zaria's product offerings and market strategy

24:07 Lessons from market crises and the resilience of Bitcoin-backed loans

30:04 Regulatory landscape and future opportunities

35:47 Building a trust bank for digital assets

41:46 Funding, growth, and competitive landscape

50:02 Risks, challenges, and the future of digital asset finance

Resources

https://zaria.xyz/

Build With Bitcoin:

https://www.buildwithbitcoin.xyz/https://x.com/BuildwBitcoin

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❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional.


At its core, Build With Bitcoin is a conversation about what happens when a foundational technology meets human ambition. Co-hosts Lynne Bairstow and Israel Munoz steer these discussions, moving beyond the daily price chatter to explore the tangible projects, businesses, and investment philosophies emerging from the Bitcoin ecosystem. Their guests-a mix of builders, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking investors-share firsthand accounts of what it means to create value with this technology as a base layer. You’ll hear practical insights on navigating the intersection of technology and business, the challenges of launching ventures in this space, and the long-term strategic thinking that guides serious investment. This isn't just theory; it's a front-row seat to the practical application of a digital platform reshaping industries. The dialogue naturally spans the worlds of business, entrepreneurship, and investing, all through the lens of a technology that is constantly evolving. For anyone curious about the real-world utility being constructed right now, this podcast offers a grounded, insightful perspective from the people who are actively laying the bricks.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Build With Bitcoin
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