** Shares of blockchain lender Figure Technology FIGR.O rise nearly 2% to about $41.1 in premarket trading
** At least five brokerages initiate coverage with largely bullish ratings as research quiet period ends
** Company secured valuation of $7.62 bln after shares opened at $36 in NYSE debut vs IPO price of $25
** "FIGR is solely responsible for 3/4ths of all global tokenized private credit assets and is originating ~$1 bln of home equity loans per quarter via its proprietary loan origination system," Piper Sandler says
** Bernstein says co brings the liquidity of blockchain capital markets to consumer loans, transforming a 'balance sheet heavy' lending model to a 'capital light' marketplace business
** Needham says it expects co to continue to focus on expanding its product suite in areas such as stablecoins, democratized prime, and the company's crypto exchange
** Following are the ratings, PTs: