Matt Hougan, the Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise Asset Management, predicts that the increasing trend of companies purchasing Bitcoin (BTC) 
$99,411 could significantly uplift the BTC market. He notes that in the next 12-18 months, hundreds of companies are expected to integrate BTC into their corporate treasuries.
Current Bitcoin Holders
Hougan states that this trend extends beyond MicroStrategy, which is the largest corporate holder of BTC. He mentions that 70 public companies currently include Bitcoin in their balance sheets, alongside numerous private companies. Notable names include Coinbase, Marathon Digital, Block, Tesla, Semlar Scientific, and Mercado Libre.
Impact of New Accounting Standards
He points out that changes in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) regarding Bitcoin will influence corporate decisions about investing in the leading cryptocurrency. The ASU 2023-08 rule, implemented in December, alters how Bitcoin is accounted for in GAAP reporting.
Reputation Risk Declines
Hougan emphasizes that the adoption of cryptocurrency by the Trump Administration has reduced the reputational risk associated with purchasing Bitcoin. This shift is expected to encourage companies to invest in Bitcoin more readily.
Private companies are not required to report their assets, but companies like SpaceX and Block.one, which voluntarily disclose their assets, currently hold at least 368,043 BTC. According to BitcoinTreasuries.com data, these figures represent a significant market share.
Hougan forecasts that MicroStrategy’s share in the corporate BTC market will drop below 50% and continue to decrease over time. The interest of companies in Bitcoin is anticipated to keep rising.
Sign of a Major Trend
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan describes the corporate trend towards Bitcoin purchases as an “overlooked megatrend.” This trend is believed to contribute to the growth of the Bitcoin market and encourage more companies to invest in crypto assets.
In conclusion, the rise in corporate Bitcoin purchases holds significant growth potential for the cryptocurrency market. New accounting standards and declining reputation risks may accelerate this trend. Market observers are keenly monitoring these developments.
