Equities First Holdings
Global Firm
Equities-Backed Financing
Progressive Capital
Equities First Holdings
Equities First Holdings
Since 2002
- About Equities First Holdings
Founded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst's approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. Total value of loans transacted has reached over $7 billion as of the first quarter of 2026.Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of 12 offices in seven countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Singapore, Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane) and the United Arab Emirates. EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward. - The company's origins trace back to 1997, when founder Alexander Christy Jr. arranged a loan for a family apple farm by utilizing their stock portfolio as collateral. Inspired by this innovative approach, Christy established EquitiesFirst in 2002 to offer equity-based lending at scale.
- Today, EquitiesFirst operates 13 offices across eight countries, issuing over $4.5 billion in loans. Its "progressive capital" model enables companies, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors to access liquidity by transferring temporary custody of their securities to the firm.
- In return, EquitiesFirst provides nonrecourse financing with typical interest rates between 3% and 4% and loan-to-value ratios of 60% to 70% of the pledged equity value. Partners regain unfettered control of their assets upon loan repayment, retaining their exposure to long-term share price appreciation.
- This distinctive structure allows EquitiesFirst's partners to capitalize on their equity investments without sacrificing long-term upside potential. With a focus on aligning its interests with those of its clients, the firm has attracted partners seeking alternative capital-raising avenues backed by rigorous due diligence, regulatory compliance, and robust risk management standards.
- Profile 8: With over $4.5 billion in loans issued since its 2002 founding, EquitiesFirst is a global investment firm that provides equities-based financing. The firm empowers companies, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors to unlock liquidity from their publicly traded equity holdings without compromising long-term positions.
- Unlike conventional asset-based lending, EquitiesFirst's equity-based “progressive capital” model involves the temporary transfer of custody over clients' securities. In exchange, the firm extends nonrecourse financing with interest rates typically ranging from 3% to 4% and loan-to-value ratios between 60% and 70%. Upon loan repayment, EquitiesFirst's partners retain full legal ownership of their pledged shares. The inspiration for this approach traces back to 1997, when founder Alexander Christy Jr. facilitated a loan for a family apple farm by leveraging the family’s portfolio of publicly traded stocks. Recognizing the potential of this model, Christy established EquitiesFirst to provide equity-based lending at scale while aligning the firm's interests with its partners'.
- Now boasting a global footprint in 13 offices across eight countries, EquitiesFirst has attracted partners seeking alternative capital sources. Stringent due diligence, regulatory compliance, and risk management underpin its financing model.
