Coinbase's Bitcoin-backed loan program is experiencing significant growth, with total collateral now exceeding $1 billion, according to Watcher.Guru. This milestone underscores the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency-backed lending. Coinbase initially paused its BTC-backed loan service but reintroduced it to U.S. users this year. In May, the platform increased the maximum loan amount from $100,000 to $1 million, likely contributing to the surge in collateral. BTC-backed loans offer users a way to access liquidity without selling their Bitcoin holdings. This can be attractive for those who are bullish on the long-term prospects of Bitcoin but need access to cash for other investments or expenses. The program's success signals a maturing market for crypto lending and borrowing platforms. ```