Bitcoin (BTC). A word once confined to niche tech circles, a digital curiosity that barely raised an eyebrow outside crypto enthusiasts, however, that is far from the case these days. Fast forward to 2025, and the situation has flipped. US companies now control a staggering 65% more Bitcoin than their non-US counterparts, a record-shattering leap.

It’s like the 21st-century equivalent of the gold rush, with companies scrambling to stake their claims in this ever-expanding digital frontier with US companies leading the revolution.

From Niche Asset to Global Power

Bitcoin’s journey has been a study of transformation. Initially, it was seen as just an experiment—a tech-savvy investment for enthusiasts and visionaries, but it has since evolved into a global phenomenon, challenging traditional financial systems and sparking widespread interest across industries ranging from sectors like retail, real estate, and casinos. 

Americans can already purchase their houses and apartments with cryptocurrencies, and buying retail goods is also possible using Bitcoin and other coins. Many gaming platforms are either already accepting crypto or gamers can use them to buy games through third-party middlemen; the iGaming industry is a special story.

Today, many online casinos, such as Lucky Block, provide players with a vast library of thousands of provably fair games powered by blockchain technology. These platforms also offer faster payouts and generous bonuses, including welcome bonuses, free spins, and cashback offers. Additionally, they allow Bitcoin bets for quicker and more secure transactions, signaling a significant shift in the online gaming industry.

BTC has come a long way since its humble beginnings and much of its maturity over the last decade has to do with major companies like MicroStrategy amassing the digital currency in bulk. Soon after, Bitcoin ETFs made it easier for institutional investors to join the party. It wasn’t just an investment tailored for tech moguls and business-savvy individuals but had now become an attractive investment for a far wider audience. 

The Surge in US BTC Holdings: A Snowball Effect

So why are US companies hoarding Bitcoin like never before? It all boils down to institutional demand. By January 2025, US firms hold more Bitcoin than they ever have, widening the gap between them and non-US entities.

The ratio of US to non-US Bitcoin holdings jumped dramatically from 1.24 in September 2024 to 1.65 in early 2025. The momentum is undeniable. Several factors contributed to this surge. 

First, after hovering under $30,000 for much of 2023, Bitcoin’s value surged past $108,000 by the end of 2024. The timing was perfect, especially after the re-election of a pro-crypto president. His proposal for a national BTC reserve captivated the public, accelerating Bitcoin’s mainstream acceptance.

MicroStrategy, led by the ever-determined Michael Saylor, is one of the biggest BTC hoarders. As of January 2025, the company holds an astonishing 447,470 BTC. 

The company plans to raise $42 billion over the next three years to continue expanding its BTC portfolio, setting a blueprint for other firms to follow.

Smaller Companies Jump are Investing Heavily in BTC

But it’s not just the major conglomerates getting involved—smaller companies are diving in too, quickly emerging as significant players in the crypto space by boosting BTC holdings among U.S. businesses.

Thumzup Media Corporation, for instance, a firm specializing in social media branding, recently made its first Bitcoin purchase—nearly $1 million worth. This move came right after Trump’s re-election win, a period that seemed to inspire smaller firms to view BTC as a serious investment.

Solidion Technology, a company focused on battery materials, saw Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and made plans to invest part of its cash reserves into the digital currency. Then there’s Genius Group which committed a whopping $120 million towards the highly valuable cryptocurrency, embedding BTC into their long-term strategy.

Smaller businesses are realizing what the big players already know: BTC isn’t just a speculative gamble; it’s a way to diversify and strengthen their financial position, and they are taking proactive steps to get in the market before BTC’s value makes it completely inaccessible.

Bitcoin’s Role in Corporate Financial Strategies: A New Era of Asset Management

Bitcoin’s appeal as a treasury asset lies in its potential for significant capital appreciation. While its price can be volatile, BTC has historically outpaced traditional investment vehicles in terms of growth.

Companies that hold Bitcoin as part of their treasury are positioning themselves to benefit from future price increases, as evidenced by the rise in BTC’s value throughout 2024. As more firms recognize Bitcoin’s potential as both a store of value and an appreciating asset, its role in corporate financial strategies will only grow.

In the coming years, we can expect more companies to follow the lead of Bitcoin pioneers like MicroStrategy. The addition of BTC to corporate balance sheets is a trend that is likely to accelerate, particularly as the regulatory environment becomes more clear and Bitcoin’s place in the global financial system is further cemented.

Governments Catching Up: Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset

It’s clear that the US is leading, but this Bitcoin movement is quickly spreading across the globe. Governments are starting to see BTC as something more than a speculative investment—it’s becoming a strategic asset, something Japan has duly noted.

Metaplanet, a Japanese venture capital firm, is aiming to acquire 10,000 BTC this year putting it in the same league as the largest BTC holders.

Perhaps the most intriguing development is how the potential US national Bitcoin reserve could impact other countries. According to Simon Gerovich, CEO of Metaplanet, if the US creates a national Bitcoin reserve, countries in Asia and beyond are likely to follow suit.

It’s a domino effect in the making. As one country treats Bitcoin as a serious asset, others will be inclined to do the same. Gerovich even suggests that smaller nations could adopt BTC to stabilize their currencies and hedge against inflation.

The Czech National Bank has already proposed BTC acquisitions to diversify its reserves, a sign that other countries might soon explore this strategy.

Bitcoin ETFs: Paving the Way for Institutional Investors

Bitcoin ETFs are another key factor in Bitcoin’s rise. These financial products allow institutional investors to gain exposure to BTC without the complexity of directly holding or managing the cryptocurrency. Think of it like investing in real estate without the need to own property—it’s a way to reap the benefits without the headaches of ownership.

As Bitcoin continues to rise in value, these financial products are making it easier for traditional investors to dip their toes into the BTC market.

The popularity of Bitcoin ETFs is crucial in making Bitcoin more accessible to institutional investors. As more institutions enter the space, Bitcoin is cementing its place as a legitimate and mainstream asset.

The Road Ahead: Bitcoin’s Role in Global Finance

As US companies continue to amass BTC, it’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend. Bitcoin is becoming a permanent fixture in global finance. What was once a speculative digital asset for a niche audience has now become a cornerstone of institutional investment.

Whether or not the US moves forward with creating a national Bitcoin reserve, the momentum behind Bitcoin’s institutional adoption is undeniable. With the US leading the way, BTC’s journey is just getting started.