Figure Technology, a financial technology startup that blends blockchain with traditional lending services, made a major Wall Street debut on September 11, 2025, raising $787.5 million through its initial public offering. The company, now listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker “FIGR,” sold 31.5 million shares at $25 apiece, giving it an estimated valuation of $5.3 billion. The offering underscores both the growing investor confidence in fintech firms and the appetite for innovation in the home-lending sector.
Founded in 2018 by Mike Cagney, the former CEO of SoFi, Figure Technology set out to streamline one of the most cumbersome areas of consumer finance: home-equity loans. By leveraging its proprietary Provenance blockchain, Figure claims it can reduce the average processing time for a home-equity loan from roughly 42 days to just 10 days. That efficiency, if proven at scale, could transform how Americans borrow against their homes. Traditional lending often suffers from complex paperwork, lengthy approvals, and regulatory bottlenecks, areas where blockchain-enabled systems may offer speed and transparency.
The success of the IPO signals strong confidence from investors, with demand outpacing expectations during the company’s roadshow. Underwriters, including Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Bank of America Securities, helped position the deal at the higher end of its pricing range. Shares were closely watched by analysts who see Figure as one of the few blockchain-focused financial firms to achieve profitability while pursuing a public offering.
Financial disclosures show that the company has been building momentum in recent quarters. For the twelve months ending June 30, Figure recorded significant loan volume growth, translating into stronger revenue streams and profitability. The firm reported a net income of $29 million in the first half of 2025, a marked turnaround from losses reported during the same period in the previous year. This trajectory helped bolster investor confidence that the company is not only innovative but also financially sustainable.
Despite the excitement, challenges loom. Figure will have to prove that its model is scalable without compromising regulatory compliance or consumer trust. Operating at the intersection of lending and blockchain subjects the company to multiple layers of oversight, from financial regulators to watchdogs monitoring digital technology practices. Questions remain about whether blockchain-based lending platforms can meet stringent requirements around consumer protection, anti-fraud safeguards, and data security. Any missteps could invite scrutiny and slow expansion.
The company must also contend with broader skepticism around blockchain. While the technology has been touted as revolutionary for years, adoption within mainstream financial services has been slower than advocates predicted. Some industry experts argue that while blockchain can deliver efficiency gains, it must overcome lingering doubts around reliability and security before becoming widely trusted by regulators, lenders, and borrowers alike.
Still, Figure’s public debut represents a milestone in the evolution of fintech. It reflects a growing willingness among investors and financial institutions to back hybrid models that combine traditional banking frameworks with emerging technologies. Analysts say Figure could become a case study for how blockchain can integrate into everyday consumer finance if it delivers on its promise to shorten lending timelines while maintaining strong compliance standards.
For consumers, the appeal of faster home-equity loans is clear. In a housing market where affordability challenges continue, tapping into home equity can provide a critical source of liquidity for everything from debt consolidation to home improvements. By reducing wait times and simplifying the process, Figure is positioning itself as a consumer-friendly alternative to traditional lenders.
As the company settles into life as a publicly traded firm, its performance will be closely monitored by both Wall Street and Main Street. Investors will watch whether Figure can sustain its profitability, while regulators will examine whether its blockchain-driven approach remains compliant as it scales. For now, the IPO is being hailed as a success that highlights fintech’s ability to push traditional boundaries, even in heavily regulated industries like housing finance.
