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Industry Groups Challenge MSCI Plan to Bar Bitcoin-Heavy Companies From Indexes

The proposal faces a coordinated industry challenge over concerns it would misclassify operating companies as fund-like.

Overview

  • Bitcoin For Corporations formally urged MSCI on December 8 to withdraw its proposal to exclude companies whose digital assets are 50% or more of total assets from the Global Investable Market Indexes.
  • MSCI has argued that companies with large crypto treasuries resemble investment funds rather than operating businesses, a characterization that has drawn strong objections from market participants.
  • Strive Asset Management pressed MSCI last week to reconsider the threshold, citing GAAP–IFRS accounting differences and calling the approach unjustified and unworkable; Strive reports holding over 7,500 BTC.
  • Industry estimates suggest up to 39 public companies could face reclassification or removal, with Strategy, MARA Holdings, Hut 8, Metaplanet, and SharpLink Gaming among those cited as potentially affected.
  • Critics warn the rule targets a single asset class and could force mechanical passive outflows and raise capital costs, while MSCI is expected to announce its decision on January 15, 2026.