Crypto lender Nexo announced it will re-enter the U.S. market three years after exiting amid regulatory clashes and a $45 million settlement. The company said it will partner with listed crypto firm Bakkt to resume offering crypto-backed loans and yield products to U.S. customers under the partner’s compliance framework.

Nexo said on Feb. 16, 2026 that it will relaunch services to U.S. customers through a partnership with Bakkt, three years after pulling back from the market following clashes with regulators and a $45 million settlement with U.S. authorities. The firm confirmed it had discontinued the particular product at issue for U.S. investors as part of a 2023 settlement and that the Bakkt tie-up will be used to provide crypto-backed loans and yield-style products onshore. Nexo framed the move as a compliance-driven return that leverages a listed, regulated U.S. partner to handle custody, reporting and KYC obligations. Analysts said the arrangement could reduce direct regulatory exposure for Nexo while still exposing its offerings to scrutiny from the SEC and other agencies focused on lending and retail yield products. Nexo also emphasized that U.S. customers will be subject to Bakkt’s controls and reporting, and market watchers said terms, disclosures and custody details will be critical to assessing consumer risk and legal exposure.