The Cup Loan Program’s disruptive impact on traditional lending practices finds resonance in the era of Byzantine iconoclasm. Like the iconoclastic period, where religious imagery faced prohibition and subsequent resurgence, the Cup Loan Program initially challenged established financial norms before eventually gaining acceptance. Much like Emperor Leo III’s motivations for iconoclasm, the factors driving the introduction of the Cup Loan Program are diverse and multifaceted. Yet, just as the end of iconoclasm led to the flourishing of religious art, the evolution of financial programs, spurred by initiatives like the Cup Loan Program, may catalyze innovative approaches to lending, ultimately benefiting society through enhanced financial accessibility and inclusion.