Bitwise Unveils Bitcoin Corporate Treasury ETF to Tap into Booming Market
New ETF Targets Companies Holding Large Bitcoin Reserves as Crypto Adoption Grows
Bitwise has introduced a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to provide investors with exposure to publicly traded companies that hold significant Bitcoin reserves. Announced on March 11, the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF (OWNB) focuses on firms with at least 1,000 Bitcoin in their corporate treasuries.
The ETF aims to track the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations Index, an equity index composed of businesses that have embraced Bitcoin as a treasury asset. This latest offering joins a wave of new investment products catering to the rising interest in companies with substantial Bitcoin holdings.
Why Companies Are Holding Bitcoin
According to Matt Hougan, Bitwise’s chief investment officer, companies are acquiring Bitcoin for the same reasons individuals do. “These companies see Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset that is liquid, scarce, and immune to government monetary policies,” Hougan explained in a statement.
Top Bitcoin-Heavy Companies in the ETF
As of March 11, the ETF’s largest holdings include MicroStrategy (MSTR), a company often regarded as a de facto Bitcoin investment vehicle, along with leading Bitcoin miners such as MARA Holdings (MARA), CleanSpark (CLSK), and Riot Platforms (RIOT). Additionally, the ETF features stocks from companies like gaming firm Boyaa Interactive and investment powerhouse Galaxy Digital (GLXY).
Bitwise's index is weighted according to the amount of Bitcoin each company holds, with individual holdings capped at 20%, the firm noted.
Corporate Bitcoin Reserves Surge Past $54 Billion
Bitcoin treasuries have become a growing trend, fueled by surging Bitcoin prices. In 2024, MicroStrategy’s stock skyrocketed by over 350%, prompting more companies to follow its lead. As of March 11, corporate Bitcoin holdings exceed $54 billion, according to BitcoinTreasuries.NET, with MicroStrategy accounting for over $41 billion of that total.
Even the U.S. government has begun stockpiling Bitcoin, initially through assets seized in law enforcement operations.
More Investment Firms Enter the Bitcoin ETF Race
Bitwise isn’t the only firm launching Bitcoin-focused investment products. In December, asset manager Strive, founded by former U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, sought regulatory approval to list an ETF investing in convertible bonds from MicroStrategy and other Bitcoin-heavy corporations.
Meanwhile, REX Shares has also announced plans to introduce a Bitcoin corporate treasury ETF, revealing its intentions on March 10.
As interest in corporate Bitcoin holdings grows, asset managers continue to roll out innovative products, giving investors new ways to gain exposure to the digital asset revolution.
