White House Stakes Claim in Bitcoin's Reserve Race, Aiming to Outpace Global Competitors

The White House’s Digital Assets Advisory Council has unveiled a strategic initiative to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, positioning the U.S. as a leader in institutional adoption of cryptocurrency. This move, announced in conjunction with the Biden administration’s broader digital asset policy review, aims to stabilize Bitcoin’s value as a reserve asset while fostering innovation in the sector. The initiative mirrors corporate strategies adopted by firms like MicroStrategy, which has amassed over 638,985 BTC ($71.1 billion) in its treasury, and aligns with recent executive actions to streamline regulatory frameworks for digital assets .

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin accumulation, now averaging $73,913 per coin, has served as a blueprint for institutional adoption. The company’s latest purchase of 525 BTC in September 2025 at $114,562 per coin further underscores its commitment to Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Despite a recent slowdown in acquisition pace, MicroStrategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, with its holdings accounting for 64% of corporate treasuries—a significant drop from its 76% dominance in early 2025 Why public companies are betting big on bitcoin - USA Today^[3]. This shift reflects broader market dynamics, including the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs and increased competition from firms like Genius Group and SolarBank, which have adopted Bitcoin treasury strategies .

The White House initiative builds on a surge in corporate Bitcoin adoption, with public companies collectively holding 1,011,387 BTC ($118 billion) as of September 2025. This trend, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions and regulatory clarity, has outpaced Bitcoin’s annual supply growth. For instance, public firms purchased 196,207 BTC in 2025, exceeding the year’s estimated new supply of 60,044 BTC. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, now the largest holder with 625,054 BTC, has further institutionalized Bitcoin’s role in corporate portfolios . Analysts attribute this momentum to the administration’s March 2025 executive order, which directed federal agencies to explore Bitcoin’s potential as a strategic reserve asset .

However, the strategy faces risks. A significant drop in Bitcoin’s price below $90,000 could leave half of corporate treasuries underwater, according to Standard Chartered. MicroStrategy’s mNAV premium, which peaked at 3.89x in November 2024, has since contracted to 1.44x, reflecting reduced speculative fervor post-ETF launch. Additionally, rising interest rates and regulatory scrutiny have tempered corporate acquisition activity, with firms opting for smaller, measured purchases. Despite these challenges, institutional demand remains robust, with 28 new Bitcoin treasury firms emerging in July and August 2025 alone .

The White House’s plan also seeks to address systemic risks associated with Bitcoin concentration. While corporate holdings now represent 5% of the total supply, critics warn that over-reliance on a single asset could exacerbate volatility. The administration is reportedly consulting with entities like the Federal Reserve and the SEC to balance innovation with financial stability. Meanwhile, private companies hold 299,207 BTC ($35 billion), and governments control 527,737 BTC ($54.7 billion), signaling a diversified approach to Bitcoin’s integration into global finance .

Market observers anticipate further regulatory milestones in 2025, including potential S&P 500 inclusion for Bitcoin-focused firms like MicroStrategy. Such a move could inject $16 billion into the stock through passive fund inflows, amplifying institutional interest. As the White House committee finalizes its roadmap, the convergence of corporate and governmental strategies is reshaping Bitcoin’s role from speculative asset to strategic reserve—a shift with profound implications for global financial architecture.