Bitcoin: A New Institutional Investment Asset

The decentralized and anti-inflation characteristics of Bitcoin make it a versatile tool for institutions to hedge against economic uncertainty and maintain long-term value.

Institutions are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as an investment asset, considering its unique properties compared to traditional assets like gold. Bitcoin's decentralized nature and anti-inflationary characteristics present new possibilities for institutional asset management strategies.

MicroStrategy is a prominent example of an institution that has strategically utilized Bitcoin as an investment asset. The company's decision to allocate a significant portion of its treasury reserves into Bitcoin has garnered widespread market attention. This strategy aims to achieve two key objectives: hedging against inflation and enhancing financial stability.

As a former skeptic of Bitcoin, MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor has radically transformed his perception of the asset class. Saylor now emphasizes that "cash, low-yield bonds, and overvalued tech stocks are vulnerable to inflation and should be avoided." In the current market environment, Saylor suggests that stock buybacks and Bitcoin are the best uses of a company's surplus funds, choosing Bitcoin as a long-term means to hedge against unlimited quantitative easing.

Contrary to early concerns, MicroStrategy's Bitcoin investment strategy has received widespread support from many companies. In addition to serving as an inflation hedge, Bitcoin is now being viewed as "digital gold," reshaping corporate asset management practices. This innovative approach of diversifying reserves with Bitcoin has pointed global corporate financial strategies in a new direction.

Another example of an institution utilizing Bitcoin as an investment asset is Boya Interactive, a Chinese company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Boya Interactive has converted its holdings of Ethereum into Bitcoin, highlighting the shifting preferences among institutions for different cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, MetaPlanet, a company known for its early investment in Bitcoin, has continued to purchase the asset in 2024. This aligns with MetaPlanet's strategy of allocating a significant portion of its cash reserves into Bitcoin, aiming to preserve value over the long term.

In contrast to companies like MicroStrategy that have made highly visible purchases of Bitcoin, some institutions have cautiously sold their holdings, often aiming to realize profits or manage cash flow.

Tesla is one of the most notable companies that initially adopted Bitcoin, providing a case that contrasts sharply with companies like MicroStrategy. The company sold 75% of its Bitcoin holdings in 2022, attributing this decision to liquidity needs amid uncertain economic conditions. Recently, in October 2024, Tesla transferred $760 million worth of Bitcoin to an unknown wallet, sparking speculation about further sales.

Tesla's Bitcoin investment has been strategically used to support its operational and expansion needs, including building new factories in Austin, Texas, and Berlin. Tesla CFO Zachary Kirkhorn stated that the investment in Bitcoin provided liquidity and a certain level of return, demonstrating its flexibility as a financial tool for a capital-intensive company.

Similarly, when Bitcoin reached $100,000, Meitu realized substantial profits from its sale. Compared to Tesla's strategic profit-taking, Meitu's decision appears to be a deliberate move to sell at a market peak. Unlike Tesla's discreet approach, Meitu publicly explained that the sale was a step to consolidate its financial position amid challenges in its core business. This starkly contrasts with Tesla's secretive selling, indicating that public disclosure helps reduce market uncertainty caused by institutional sales.

The strategic reasons behind institutions buying and selling Bitcoin are directly related to their financial goals and operational needs. Companies typically sell Bitcoin to realize profits during market peaks, as Tesla did in 2022, or to convert held cryptocurrencies into operating capital for reinvestment in core business. The main reasons behind selling can generally be categorized as: 1) profiting under favorable market conditions to expand and improve business operations; or 2) needing funds to address cash flow challenges. This raises the question of whether any future sales are due to strategic financial planning or merely a stopgap measure to address cash flow issues. Furthermore, if the motivation for selling is profit-taking, it raises questions about how these profits will be utilized. Will they be reinvested to enhance the business or primarily benefit stakeholders? In any case, such actions may lead to missed opportunities for further appreciation and undermine the long-term advantages of holding Bitcoin as an investment asset.