Bitwise Launches ETF Tracking Corporate Bitcoin Holdings

Bitwise Asset Management has launched the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (OWNB) on the New York Stock Exchange Arca. This ETF is designed to track the performance of publicly traded companies that hold at least 1,000 Bitcoin in their corporate treasuries, providing investors with exposure to the growing trend of corporate Bitcoin adoption.

The ETF aligns with the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations Index, which includes companies with significant Bitcoin holdings. The index's top holdings at launch are MicroStrategy (MSTR) at 20.87%, Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) at 12.12%, CleanSpark (CLSK) at 6.26%, Riot Platforms (RIOT) at 6.23%, and several other companies. The index weights holdings by Bitcoin ownership, with a cap of 20% per holding, and rebalances quarterly. Companies with Bitcoin holdings less than 33% of their current assets receive a 1.5% weighting.

The launch of OWNB is timely, as U.S. nonfinancial corporations are holding significant amounts of currency and deposits, and nearly $1 trillion in U.S. Treasuries. This ETF offers a thematic play on corporate Bitcoin adoption, allowing investors to gain exposure to this trend without directly investing in Bitcoin or derivatives. The fund's methodology provides a diversified approach to investing in companies that have adopted Bitcoin as part of their treasury strategy.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan noted that companies are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset due to concerns over government deficits and monetary policy. This trend is driven by the perception of Bitcoin as a liquid and scarce asset, not subject to government control or money printing. The ETF aims to capitalize on this growing trend, offering investors a way to participate in the corporate adoption of Bitcoin.

The launch of the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (OWNB) reflects a broader shift in corporate treasury management. Companies are diversifying their holdings to include Bitcoin, viewing it as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement. This strategy is particularly relevant in the current economic climate, where concerns over government deficits and monetary policy are prevalent.

The ETF provides a unique investment opportunity for those looking to gain exposure to companies that have adopted Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. By tracking the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations Index, the E