Emre Yumlu 
As the financial world awaits a pivotal classification decision from MSCI, U.S.-based investment firm Strive has voiced sharp criticism against the possibility of excluding Bitcoin-heavy companies from major equity indexes. According to the firm, such a move would be both impractical and damaging for investors. MSCI is set to announce its determination on January 15, evaluating whether companies with more than half of their balance sheets allocated to Bitcoin or other digital assets should remain in traditional indexes or be reassigned to a separate category entirely.
What Is MSCI and Why Does It Matter?
MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) is one of the most influential index providers in global finance. Beyond classifying countries into Developed, Emerging, and Frontier Markets, it also constructs some of the world’s most widely followed equity benchmarks, including MSCI World, MSCI Emerging Markets, and MSCI USA.
These indexes guide trillions of dollars in passive investment capital. Exchange-traded funds, pension plans, and mutual funds structure their portfolios around MSCI benchmarks. As a result, when a company is removed from an MSCI index, these funds are obligated to divest—creating a powerful mechanical selling force that can total billions of dollars. This is the context in which MSCI is now evaluating whether Bitcoin-focused treasury firms still belong in its conventional equity lineup.
Could Bitcoin-Heavy Firms Be Removed?
The key issue MSCI is reviewing centers on companies that hold a substantial share of their assets in Bitcoin. The debate revolves around whether these firms should continue to be treated as regular equities or whether their profiles resemble fund-like structures that require separate classification.
One of the most directly affected companies is Strategy, whose balance sheet consists of more than 50% Bitcoin. The upcoming ruling will therefore shape not only Strategy’s index future but also set a precedent for other firms with similar treasury strategies.
Strive’s Position: “Blacklisting Is Harmful and Unrealistic”
Strive argues that sidelining Bitcoin-heavy corporations is inconsistent with how modern markets function. The firm emphasizes that digital assets have become increasingly woven into corporate balance sheets, making such companies a legitimate part of today’s financial ecosystem.
According to Strive, excluding these firms would limit investor diversification options and introduce unnecessary distortions into index construction. With the January 15 decision approaching, market participants are watching closely—viewing MSCI’s move as a potential turning point for both index methodology and the broader institutional adoption of Bitcoin.
What Is MSCI? The Impact of Strategy’s Removal From MSCI on the Crypto Market
You can join our Telegram channel to not miss the news and stay informed about the crypto world.