SkyBridge Founder: Corporate Bitcoin Buying Trend Is Short-Lived

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In recent commentary that has sparked debate across financial circles, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, stated that the growing trend of public companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets is likely a temporary phenomenon. According to Scaramucci, this wave of corporate Bitcoin adoption—inspired largely by MicroStrategy’s aggressive accumulation strategy—is expected to lose momentum in the coming months.

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The Rise of Corporate Bitcoin Adoption

The movement began in earnest in 2021 when MicroStrategy (MSTR), led by CEO Michael Saylor, made headlines by allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury to Bitcoin. This bold move paid off handsomely, with MicroStrategy’s stock price surging nearly 3,000% in the following years. The performance attracted widespread attention, prompting other public companies to follow suit.

Firms like Semler Scientific (SMLR) in the U.S. and Japan-listed Metaplanet (3350) began purchasing Bitcoin as a reserve asset, hoping to replicate MicroStrategy’s success. The strategy wasn’t limited to large-cap players—many small-cap companies also started acquiring not only Bitcoin but other digital assets such as Ethereum and XRP to generate investor interest and boost valuations.

This trend created a new market segment often referred to as “Bitcoin proxy stocks” or “crypto概念股” (crypto concept stocks), where investors gained indirect exposure to digital assets through equity investments.

Why the Hype Won’t Last, According to Scaramucci

Despite being bullish on Bitcoin itself, Scaramucci argues that the corporate rush to hold Bitcoin on balance sheets is unsustainable. He believes companies are currently mimicking MicroStrategy’s strategy without fully understanding the underlying risks and costs.

“Right now, companies are just copying MicroStrategy’s playbook,” Scaramucci said in a recent Bloomberg interview. “This frenzy will eventually fade.”

His main concern centers around investor rationale: Why pay a premium for a company that holds Bitcoin when individuals can buy the asset directly?

Moreover, he points out that Michael Saylor’s success wasn’t solely due to Bitcoin—it was also supported by MicroStrategy’s diversified business operations and strategic financial engineering. Most imitators lack this foundation, leaving them exposed to volatility without corresponding operational strength.

Scaramucci also highlights the added complexities for follower companies: increased management overhead, accounting challenges, governance scrutiny, and potential misalignment with core business objectives. These factors contribute to what he calls an “implicit cost” of holding Bitcoin indirectly through equities.

Market Data Supports Cooling Momentum

Recent data reinforces Scaramucci’s outlook. In the second quarter of 2024, the rate of corporate Bitcoin accumulation slowed significantly compared to the same period in 2023. Reports indicate a 37% year-over-year decline in the volume of Bitcoin purchased by public firms.

This deceleration suggests that while early adopters benefited from novelty and market enthusiasm, newer entrants face tougher investor scrutiny and diminishing returns.

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The Impact of Spot Bitcoin ETFs

A major shift occurred in early 2024 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved multiple spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This regulatory milestone allowed institutional and retail investors direct access to Bitcoin through traditional financial channels—without needing to rely on corporate proxies.

Prior to ETF approval, companies like MicroStrategy served as one of the few regulated vehicles for institutional exposure to Bitcoin. Their balance sheet moves created scarcity value and attracted capital seeking indirect crypto exposure.

Now, with low-cost, liquid ETFs available, that unique advantage has eroded. Investors no longer need to take on the operational risks of a tech or healthcare firm just to gain Bitcoin exposure. They can invest directly—with greater transparency and lower fees.

Core Keywords and Market Implications

This evolving landscape underscores several key themes shaping digital asset adoption in 2025:

These keywords reflect both investor behavior and structural changes in financial markets. As crypto infrastructure matures, indirect investment methods are giving way to more efficient, transparent alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it still profitable for companies to buy Bitcoin?
A: While Bitcoin has shown long-term appreciation, profitability depends on timing, cost basis, and risk tolerance. For most firms without a strategic alignment with digital assets, the added complexity may outweigh the benefits.

Q: Can small companies benefit from holding Bitcoin like MicroStrategy did?
A: It’s unlikely. MicroStrategy had existing revenue streams and financial flexibility. Smaller firms may face greater volatility risks and lack the resources to manage digital asset custody and reporting effectively.

Q: Are Bitcoin spot ETFs replacing corporate Bitcoin buyers?
A: In many ways, yes. ETFs offer direct exposure with lower overhead, making them more attractive for institutional investors who previously used corporate proxies.

Q: Does Scaramucci still believe in Bitcoin?
A: Yes—he remains bullish on Bitcoin as a long-term store of value but distinguishes between supporting the asset and endorsing corporate balance sheet strategies.

Q: What happens to “Bitcoin proxy” stocks when corporate buying slows?
A: Their valuations may correct as the speculative premium fades. Investors may shift capital toward direct Bitcoin instruments like ETFs or self-custodied holdings.

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The Road Ahead for Corporate Crypto Strategy

As markets evolve, so too must investment strategies. The initial wave of corporate Bitcoin adoption served an important role in legitimizing digital assets within mainstream finance. However, as Scaramucci suggests, imitation without innovation rarely leads to sustainable success.

Going forward, companies considering Bitcoin purchases must answer tough questions: Does this align with our long-term vision? Do we have the infrastructure to manage it securely? And most importantly—is there real value for shareholders beyond short-term stock spikes?

For investors, the message is clear: evaluate corporate crypto holdings critically. Just because a company owns Bitcoin doesn’t mean it’s a better investment. With direct access now widely available, the burden of proof lies with firms to justify why they should act as intermediaries at all.

In a maturing crypto ecosystem, simplicity, transparency, and efficiency win out. The era of speculative mimicry may be coming to an end—and a more disciplined phase of digital asset integration may soon begin.