Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Treasuries Mature as Institutions Double Down on Digital Gold

Empery Digital, a company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol EMPD, has increased its Bitcoin holdings by 13 Bitcoins, bringing the total to 4,065 coins, as per its latest filing [5]. This update reflects the growing trend of publicly traded companies acquiring and maintaining Bitcoin in their treasuries. Empery Digital’s move aligns with a broader pattern seen in Q2, where institutional investors significantly increased their Bitcoin ETF exposure, adding 64,983 BTC to push institutional holdings to a record $33.6 billion [1].

The broader institutional landscape for Bitcoin has seen notable developments. The quarter marked a reversal from Q1 2025, where institutions trimmed their ETF exposure by 38,155 BTC, while other holders added 41,716 BTC [1]. By the end of Q2, institutional ownership of Bitcoin ETFs had risen to 24.96%, nearing but not exceeding the 25.38% peak recorded in Q4 2024. This data indicates a gradual but consistent shift in institutional confidence, with Bitcoin ETFs closing Q2 at an all-time high of $134.6 billion in assets under management, with institutional investors accounting for about one-quarter of total assets [1].

Other corporations have also made significant Bitcoin acquisitions. For instance, Metaplanet of Japan added 103 BTC worth ¥1.74 billion ($11.6 million), raising its total holdings to 18,991 BTC [2]. This purchase was made at an average price of $113,491 per token. The company's holdings have appreciated significantly, with an impressive return of 479.5%, outperforming the overall equity market [2].

The trend of corporate Bitcoin acquisition is not limited to a few companies. As of August 22, 2025, 228 entities, including public companies, ETFs, and countries, hold a total of 3,646,853 BTC, valued at $406.067 billion [5]. Public companies alone account for 946,514 BTC, valued at $105.39 billion [5]. This data underscores the increasing institutional and corporate interest in Bitcoin as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.

The growing interest in Bitcoin treasuries is also reflected in the financial services sector. Custodians, brokers, and investment banks are reaping significant fees from the surge in corporate Bitcoin buying [4]. For example, Anchorage Digital has secured deals with companies like Trump Media and Nakamoto Holdings, while BitGo has crossed $100 billion in assets under custody in the first half of 2025 [4]. These custodians typically charge institutional clients a mix of upfront, annual, and add-on fees for holding and managing their crypto assets.

The financial impact of the Bitcoin treasury trend extends beyond custodians. Investment banks like Morgan Stanley and Barclays Capital are earning fees from underwriting capital raises by companies seeking to fund their Bitcoin acquisitions [4]. Additionally, asset managers and lenders are offering treasury management services, charging between 25 to 50 basis points for these services [4]. This ecosystem of financial services is creating a self-sustaining cycle where increased Bitcoin buying drives up prices, attracting more investors and facilitating further token purchases.

Looking at the broader context, the rise in Bitcoin holdings by corporations and institutions has significant implications for the cryptocurrency market. The increased demand has not only driven up the price but also enhanced liquidity and market stability. Moreover, the trend is likely to continue as more companies adopt Bitcoin as part of their strategic asset allocation. This shift is supported by the performance of Bitcoin treasuries, which have demonstrated resilience and growth, outperforming traditional asset classes in certain periods [2].

In summary, Empery Digital's recent increase in Bitcoin holdings is part of a larger movement where corporations and institutional investors are increasingly integrating Bitcoin into their financial strategies. This trend is supported by a robust financial infrastructure and a growing ecosystem of custodians, brokers, and asset managers, all of which contribute to the maturation of the Bitcoin market.

Source:

[1] title1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/institutional-bitcoin-etf-holdings-rise-112428058.html)

[2] title2 (https://coingape.com/metaplanet-grow-bitcoin-holdings-with-11-6m-purchase-amid-michael-saylors-buy-signal/)

[3] title3 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/michael-saylor-hints-fresh-bitcoin-210350259.html)

[4] title4 (https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliegoldenberg/2025/08/19/whos-getting-rich-off-the-100-billion-crypto-treasury-boom/)

[5] title5 (https://bitbo.io/treasuries/)