Global equity markets are having a strong year, in spite of the Iran conflict and other headwinds. The United States, Japan, and Taiwan public markets all hit record highs in May. Equity benchmarks in Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Kingdom have also recorded a solid performance so far this year. As the Artificial Intelligence revolution creates a new generation of investment opportunities, there is increasing demand for liquidity to finance new capital commitments, according to Al Christy, Jr., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EquitiesFirst.
“EquitiesFirst has never been stronger after recording the best year ever for the firm in 2025 – and that momentum has continued in 2026,” said Mr Christy. “Market performance is driving demand for liquidity and we’re benefiting from the trust we have built over 24 years of providing progressive capital to clients through market cycles.”
EquitiesFirst has also just announced a resolution and settlement with Celsius Network relating to loans made by EquitiesFirst to Celsius Network, helping to clear its path towards continued growth.
Celsius Network filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in 2022, delaying the resolution of disputes and a settlement between Celsius and EquitiesFirst. This resolution includes $500 million in total payments from EquitiesFirst and the dismissal with prejudice of all litigation originally filed in September 2023.
“We’re pleased to have resolved this matter, working closely with GXD Labs on behalf of the Celsius bankruptcy estate,” said Mr Christy. “Our business and clients are unaffected by this settlement, which allows us to move on from a complex issue and support growing demand from our clients. We’ve already accounted for the settlement amounts, so we’re ideally positioned to continue providing liquidity to our clients and fulfil our obligations in the ordinary course of business, just as we have done since 2002.”
EquitiesFirst is a pioneer in progressive capital and has provided over $7 billion of loans since its formation. The firm works in close alignment with its clients to deliver flexible, non-recourse, below market rate financing. Many clients have transacted with the firm multiple times over the last 24 years, demonstrating the high level of trust EquitiesFirst has earned.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of 13 offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), Thailand, Singapore, Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane) and the United Arab Emirates. EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.