Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, highlighted in his research note the surge in corporations adding Bitcoin to their treasuries, driven by MicroStrategy's influence and changes in the U.S. regulatory environment.
MicroStrategy's Market Influence
Led by Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy has been a forerunner among major corporations in adding Bitcoin to its assets, currently holding about 450,000 BTC valued at over $43 billion. The company's strategy has served as a model for other companies considering similar investments.
New Accounting Standards
The newly introduced accounting requirements under ASU 2023-08 allow companies to account for both decreases and increases in Bitcoin's value, as opposed to previous rules which viewed it as an intangible asset. This change enhances Bitcoin's attractiveness from a financial reporting perspective.
Opinions and Prospects
Matt Hougan forecasts a significant increase in the number of companies adding Bitcoin to their treasuries, questioning how many will follow this path under the new accounting conditions.
Changes in corporate practices and financial standards are opening new avenues for the integration of digital assets like Bitcoin into corporate treasuries, potentially leading to increased investment activity in cryptocurrency markets.