At the Solana Breakpoint event in Abu Dhabi, FintechTV’s Rachel Pether sat down with Tarun Chitra, CEO of Gauntlet, to discuss how the firm is shaping safer access to crypto yield as fintech adoption accelerates.
Gauntlet currently manages nearly $2 billion in assets and operates across two core business lines: consulting and onchain asset management. This dual structure allows the firm to support neobanks, fintech platforms, and regulated financial institutions that want to offer crypto yield products without exposing users to excessive risk.
A key focus of the discussion was Gauntlet’s role in helping fintech companies launch crypto yield offerings designed for everyday users. These products allow individuals to start with relatively small investments, sometimes as low as $100, while maintaining strong risk controls. According to Chitra, Gauntlet acts as the connective layer between borrowers and lenders, efficiently bridging offchain capital with onchain markets to improve returns compared to traditional savings tools like treasury bills.
Gauntlet’s credibility is rooted in its early work. For much of its seven-year history, the firm concentrated on risk modeling, auditing, and protocol design. That foundation now supports its asset management business, where safety, transparency, and compliance remain central. Chitra noted that investor hesitation around crypto yield often stems from past failures across the industry, making risk discipline essential for broader adoption.
The conversation also explored how regional dynamics shape blockchain ecosystems. Chitra observed that Ethereum adoption remains strong in parts of Latin America, where users often seek protection from currency instability. In contrast, Solana has gained traction in regions such as Singapore and the Middle East, where users tend to pursue growth opportunities and higher returns. These behavioral differences influence how yield products are structured and distributed.
Gauntlet’s collateral and risk management services play a critical role for fintech platforms. By assuming responsibility for complex onchain risk decisions, Gauntlet enables neobanks to focus on customer experience while still offering competitive yield products. This approach reduces operational strain while increasing confidence among users.
As crypto continues to mature as an asset class, Chitra emphasized the importance of responsible frameworks that balance innovation with protection. Gauntlet’s emphasis on controlled exposure, conservative modeling, and institutional-grade practices positions it as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized markets.
In a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, the Gauntlet crypto yield model highlights how disciplined risk management can unlock safer participation for both institutions and retail investors. As fintech firms increasingly look to blockchain for yield opportunities, frameworks built on trust and transparency are likely to define the next phase of crypto adoption.