Public Companies Boost Crypto Holdings Amid Inflation Hedge and Digital Transformation

Publicly listed companies are increasingly allocating portions of their balance sheets to cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as a hedge against inflation, a bet on digital transformation, or to diversify reserves. This shift is driven by growing regulatory clarity and the availability of institutional-grade products, which have made crypto investments more accessible and less risky. Companies are opting for indirect exposure through crypto ETFs or trust funds, allowing them to tap into the upside of digital assets without dealing with wallets, security, or custody concerns.

The majority of public companies with crypto exposure focus on Bitcoin due to its liquidity, scarcity, and market dominance. Some have added Ethereum, particularly those interested in decentralized finance or smart contract platforms. Indirect exposure may also include baskets of assets via products like Grayscale Bitcoin Trust or BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF, which hold BTC and mirror its performance.

There are three main methods for companies to gain crypto exposure: direct purchases of Bitcoin or Ethereum, often held in cold wallets or via custodial services; investment in ETFs or trust products that track crypto asset prices; and strategic partnerships or investments in crypto-native companies. The choice often depends on a company’s risk tolerance, regulatory environment, and treasury policies.

MicroStrategy remains the largest publicly listed holder of Bitcoin, with 226,331 BTC as of July 2025. Led by Michael Saylor, the company continuously accumulates BTC as a core treasury asset, with its entire corporate strategy revolving around long-term Bitcoin adoption. Tesla shocked markets in 2021 with a $1.5B BTC buy, and while the company has sold portions since, it still holds significant amounts of Bitcoin and occasionally accepts crypto for payments depending on local regulations. Coinbase, as the largest US-based crypto exchange, not only holds crypto for operational liquidity but also invests in its ecosystem, benefiting directly from crypto adoption via trading volume and custody services. BlackRock launched the iShares Bitcoin ETF in 2024, and by mid-2025, it became one of the most traded ETFs globally, holding billions in BTC across its ETF and client-facing products. Block, Inc., formerly known as Square, integrates Bitcoin buying, selling, and transfers into its Cash App, making it a major retail on-ramp. It also holds BTC on its balance sheet and funds Bitcoin ecosystem development.

As more publicly traded companies accumulate crypto or launch products around it, the narrative around digital assets continues to shift toward legitimacy and long-term utility. This isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a financial evolution. With major institutions still buying at high levels, and ETFs simplifying access for everyone, crypto prices are poised to continue their upward trajectory. The supply is limited—but the demand is only growing.