Bitcoin News Today: Norges Bank Boosts Bitcoin Exposure 83% in Q2 2025 via Equity Holdings

Norges Bank Investment Management, the investment arm of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, significantly increased its Bitcoin-linked exposure by 83% in Q2 2025, now holding assets equivalent to 11,400 BTC, up from 6,200 BTC in the previous quarter [1]. The fund’s strategy has shifted toward indirect exposure, achieved through equity investments in companies that hold substantial Bitcoin reserves, including MicroStrategy and Metaplanet [2]. This approach allows Norges Bank to benefit from Bitcoin’s potential without directly holding the cryptocurrency, thereby managing risk and complying with regulatory requirements [3].

The growth in Bitcoin exposure is even more pronounced on a year-on-year basis, with holdings rising by 192.7% from 3,821 BTC at the end of 2024 to 7,161 BTC as of June 30, 2025 [2]. The fund’s Bitcoin-linked assets are now valued at approximately $844 million, reflecting both the quantity of exposure and prevailing market conditions [1]. This strategic shift underscores the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a legitimate and diversifying asset class among institutional investors [3].

The decision to pursue indirect exposure through equities rather than direct Bitcoin purchases aligns with Norges Bank’s broader risk management framework. By investing in firms that hold Bitcoin, the fund avoids the operational and regulatory complexities associated with direct cryptocurrency ownership while still capturing Bitcoin’s potential for long-term value [2]. This move also highlights the increasing appeal of Bitcoin as a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainties and a store of value in an era of global volatility [3].

The fund’s Bitcoin exposure has been further bolstered by additional equity holdings. For instance, MicroStrategy contributed 3,005.5 BTC, and Metaplanet added 50.8 BTC to the fund’s portfolio during the first half of 2025 [2]. These investments allow Norges Bank to participate in Bitcoin’s growth trajectory without exposing the fund to the price volatility and custody risks associated with direct ownership [1].

Despite this strategic pivot toward digital assets, the fund remains primarily focused on traditional asset classes such as global equities, bonds, and real estate [2]. However, the inclusion of Bitcoin-linked equities reflects a calculated bet on the cryptocurrency’s potential as a resilient and diversified component of a modern investment portfolio [3]. Norges Bank’s continued expansion of Bitcoin exposure signals a broader trend in institutional finance, where digital assets are increasingly viewed not as speculative bets, but as strategic allocations [1].

Sources:

[1] https://cryptoslate.com/insights/norways-sovereign-wealth-fund-boosts-bitcoin-exposure-by-192-in-2025/

[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/the_block:443fa5d08094b:0-norway-sovereign-wealth-fund-s-indirect-bitcoin-exposure-grows-to-7-161-btc-as-its-strategy-holdings-surpass-1-billion-k33/

[3] https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/15/bitcoin-and-strategy-lead-on-risk-adjusted-returns-as-volatility-falls