Banks Stack $4 Billion in BTC via MicroStrategy – Supply Shock Ahead?
As Bitcoin continues its path toward mainstream adoption, banks are quietly gaining exposure to the leading cryptocurrency—not by buying Bitcoin directly, but by investing in MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares, the largest corporate holder of BTC.
According to NASDAQ data, banks now indirectly hold nearly 40,000 BTC, worth over $4 billion at current prices ($104,646 per BTC). Meanwhile, the U.S. government owns over 270,000 BTC ($28 billion), and under Trump’s presidency, it is expected to hold or even accumulate more.
With institutional accumulation at an all-time high, central banks now showing interest in Bitcoin, and bullish price predictions targeting $175K–$200K in 2025, are financial institutions quietly preparing for the next Bitcoin supercycle?
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Banks Accumulating Bitcoin via MicroStrategy
Financial institutions are gaining Bitcoin exposure through their investments in MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares, which act as a proxy due to the company’s substantial BTC holdings.
Banks collectively hold nearly 40,000 BTC worth over $4 billion through their MSTR investments. Here’s a breakdown of some of their indirect Bitcoin holdings:
- Morgan Stanley – 23,000 BTC ($2B+)
- Norges Bank (Norwegian Central Bank) – 3,771 BTC ($400M)
- Bank of America – 1,897 BTC ($200M)
- Swiss National Bank – 1,118 BTC ($117M)
- Bank of New York Mellon – 1,396 BTC ($146M)
🔥 Banks Are Accumulating #Bitcoin via @MicroStrategy!
🏦 Banks now hold nearly 40,000 $BTC via MicroStrategy.
🇺🇸 The U.S. government owns 270,000+ BTC & may buy more under Trump.
🏛 Central banks eye BitcoinAre institutions preparing for a Bitcoin supply shock? 🚀 pic.twitter.com/c4OBJ9wZ55
— CoinCodex (@CoinCodex) January 31, 2025
Why Banks Are Buying MicroStrategy Instead of Bitcoin Directly
- Regulatory Uncertainty – Direct BTC holdings are still a grey area for banks.
- Institutional Safety – MSTR is a regulated public company, making it easier for banks to gain exposure without holding Bitcoin directly.
- Bitcoin Price Leverage – MicroStrategy’s stock often outperforms BTC in bull markets, giving banks amplified returns.
With institutions accumulating behind the scenes, Bitcoin’s supply on exchanges continues to dwindle, setting the stage for a potential supply shock.
U.S. Government Holds Over 270,000 BTC – And Might Buy More
Alongside institutional investors, the U.S. government is now one of the largest Bitcoin holders in the world, controlling over 270,000 BTC ($28 billion).
What’s next for U.S. government Bitcoin holdings?
- Under Trump’s presidency, the government is more likely to hold and accumulate Bitcoin rather than sell.
- Some policymakers suggest establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, similar to gold reserves.
- A bill proposed in early 2025 suggests that the Treasury could acquire 200,000 BTC annually over the next five years.
If the U.S. decides to actively accumulate Bitcoin, it could trigger a wave of institutional buying as other nations and private investors rush to secure their share before supply dwindles further.
Central Banks Showing Interest in Bitcoin – The Next Big Catalyst?
The Governor of the Czech National Bank, Aleš Michl, has proposed allocating up to 5% of the bank’s reserves into Bitcoin. With the CNB holding approximately €140 billion in reserves, this move could mean an allocation of around €7 billion ($7.5B) in BTC.
Why Central Banks Might Start Buying Bitcoin Soon
- Hedge Against Inflation – Bitcoin has outperformed fiat currencies over the past decade.
- Growing Institutional Legitimacy – With banks already accumulating BTC, central banks don’t want to be left behind.
- Digital Gold Narrative – Bitcoin is increasingly seen as an alternative to gold for national reserves.
As central banks join institutional investors in accumulating Bitcoin, this could be the final trigger for the next massive Bitcoin bull run.
Bitcoin Price Predictions: $175K–$200K in 2025?
With banks and governments stockpiling BTC, analysts are setting bold price targets for 2025:
- Wall Street Bank Analyst Prediction: According to Forbes, analysts at a major Wall Street bank see Bitcoin reaching $200,000 in 2025 as adoption spikes and institutions move capital into BTC.
- Michael Saylor’s Prediction: Bitcoin’s biggest corporate bull, Michael Saylor, sees BTC hitting $180,000, citing institutional adoption and MicroStrategy’s record Bitcoin holdings.
- CoinCodex Algorithmic Prediction: AI-driven price model aligns with these bullish targets, forecasting a peak of $175,000 by August 2025, reflecting the supply squeeze and increased institutional demand.
With all predictions falling within the $175K–$200K range, it’s becoming increasingly clear that institutions are preparing for a massive Bitcoin price surge.
Conclusion: Institutions and Central Banks Are Betting Big on Bitcoin’s Future
- Banks are secretly accumulating Bitcoin by investing in MicroStrategy shares, now holding nearly 40,000 BTC.
- The U.S. government holds over 270,000 BTC and could accumulate even more under Trump’s presidency.
- Central banks are now considering direct Bitcoin purchases, with the Czech National Bank leading the way.
- Bitcoin price predictions for 2025 range from $175,000 (CoinCodex) to $200,000 (Wall Street analysts).
With institutions and governments positioning themselves early, Bitcoin’s scarcity-driven supply shock could push it to new all-time highs much faster than expected.
Are banks, governments, and central banks quietly stacking BTC while retail investors hesitate?